INFANT ROCKER

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/652,660, filed May 28, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of accessories and support devices for children and infants, and more particularly to rocking child seats, rockers, bassinets, inclined sleeping apparatuses, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parents today are particularly concerned about every aspect of their baby's well being, from safety and nutrition to physical fitness, and many such parents are looking for the next generation of products that are safe, convenient, practical and well designed, and which give parents the peace of mind they are demanding. With a concern for economics as well, an infant seat system that can support a variety of baby activities, including sleeping, sitting, feeding, soothing, entertainment, and development, which is also compact and portable, would meet these needs in a way not yet satisfied by existing products.

A typical household with an infant tends to have numerous specialized apparatus for cradling, supporting, sleeping or otherwise holding the baby in a variety of positions for the various activities. For example, small cribs or bassinets are common for naps. Motorized swings are common for soothing and entertaining infants.

Variations of such examples include simple hammock-type infant holders, which can function as seats, swings, and places for sleeping. Many of these conventional apparatuses include some form of positional adjustment but provide features that make the seating device unpractical for traveling or going out for a family outing. For example, it is common for dedicated seats and swings to have a reclining seat back to accommodate crossover activities such as sitting or swinging to sleeping, however, with these added conventional features, the seat device becomes too heavy, resulting in families not using these conventional seating devices. Nevertheless, these added conventional features further fail to have operational considerations specific to getting an infant to sleep, again, resulting in families not using these conventional seating devices. Thus, a plurality of dedicated conventional infant-related devices is necessary by households, at a substantial cost in the purchase price, as well as taking up valuable space and storage in the family home.

Despite all the different types and configurations of features for conventional seating devices, there appears not to be one that delivers an infant holder system with features that complement the overall usability or provide easy-use customization by the parents to best care for their infant or child. These conventional seat infant devices seem to provide some feature benefits to products, however, many sacrifice the functionality and usability resulting in parents needing to buy more products to meet their needs and their children. Thus, it would be desirable to address these, and other conventional problems and issues by providing infant holder systems or child seat devices that deliver products that address today's parents' needs and their children's.

The present disclosure solves some of these conventional problems and issues for infant holder systems or child seat devices by addressing today's marketplace technological needs for infant/child product industries and delivering products that seamlessly customize useability and functionality demands for today's parents' lifestyles with use and safety-minded engineering.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to infant and child seating apparatuses and devices, and more particularly to seating devices that in combination, allow parents to optimize the uses of the seating devices, which minimizes or eliminates the conventional problems and issues regarding the use, and expands the utility by providing features that enhance and meet the needs of today's demanding parents.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is a folding infant apparatus (also referred to as an infant rocking seat a rocker or infant rocking seat) that includes a frame having an upper portion (or seating for an infant to rest) with a bottom end and a top end positioned along a y-axis. A base portion has a front end and a back end positioned along an x-axis. The bottom end of the upper portion hinges on the front end of the base portion, and a top proximal end of a middle portion or reclining bar is pivotably attached to the upper portion.

One or more recline mechanisms are positioned opposite to each other on sides of the base portion, each recline mechanism includes detents configured to engage with a bottom segment of the middle portion or bar or reclining bar. A locking mechanism positioned within the recline mechanism is configured to lock the reclining mechanism in a detent of the detents. Each detent represents a reclining angle. A lock-out mechanism is structured to prevent the middle portion from unlocking causing the middle portion to rotate away from the detent to transition with the frame from an expanded configuration into a collapsed configuration. A release device positioned on the surface of the reclining mechanism is operable relative to the reclining mechanism to disconnect the middle portion from the reclining mechanism. Wherein, upon simultaneously operating both release devices, actuates the reclining mechanism adjustability. More specifically, the upper portion can be adjusted to a reclining angle per each detent within a reclining range from 90 degrees to 0 degrees.

A motion mechanism is rotatably mounted to the back end of the base portion to impart a rocking motion to the rocker. The motion mechanism (also referred to as an auto-rock housing unit) houses a motorized plunger configured to oscillate and cause the upper portion to rock along the x-axis. The motion mechanism is rotatable on the back end of the base portion to prevent the plunger from contacting a surface the base portion is resting on, which allows for a manual operating rocking motion provided by a human. This is an important feature because rotatability allows parents to have unique customization to maximize the motion mechanism performance resulting in giving the best care to their infant. Further, if a parent decides not to use the motorized features, the parent can turn off the motion mechanism and easily remove the motion mechanism without any hassle. The aspect of rotatability overcame the previously mentioned conventional problems and issues of conventional seating devices, where the conventional features were cumbersome, lacked customizability, added extra weight, and did not deliver the feature in a way that was best useful or operational for the parent and the child (i.e., these conventional features sometimes did not achieve their intended purpose, or because of the added conventional features parents stopped using the conventional seat devices because they took away one or more primary features the parents wanted to use or valued.).

Some other important features integrated with the motion mechanism of the present disclosure include a control panel with capacitive touch controls located on an outer surface of the motion mechanism (referred to as the auto-rock housing unit). The location and adjustability of rotating the control panel add to the parents' experience and make the seating devices more enjoyable and easier to use.

Another aspect of the motion mechanism that can be appreciated in its engineered design and development is a motorized plunger that provides an oscillating effect resulting in the upper portion simulating a rocking motion from the front end to the back end along the x-axis or in a linear direction. This approach allows the infant to experience a rocking motion to help the infant be calm or sleep, also the parent can turn off the motorized motion mechanism and manually rock the seating device, with little effort, as noted above.

Another important feature that address today's parents' demand for seating devices that maximize use and optimize usability with little effort, in the addition the motion mechanism includes a remote-control device in communication with it to allow parents to remotely operate one or more controls of the motion mechanism.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable device includes a frame having an upper portion (i.e., seating surface for an infant to rest) with a bottom end and a top end positioned along a y-axis, and a base portion with a front end and a back end positioned along an x-axis. The bottom end of the upper portion hinges on the front end of the base portion, and a top proximal end of a middle portion (i.e., reclining bar or portion) is pivotably attached to the upper portion. One or more recline mechanisms are positioned opposite to each other on the sides of the base portion, within each recline mechanism includes: (a) a reclining mechanism with detents configured to engage with a bottom segment of the middle bar; (b) a locking mechanism configured to lock the reclining mechanism in a detent of the detents; and (c) a lock-out mechanism structured to prevent the middle portion from unlocking causing the middle portion to rotate away from the detent to transition with the frame from an expanded configuration into a collapsed configuration. Such that a release device is operable relative to the reclining mechanism to disconnect the middle portion from the reclining mechanism. Wherein, upon simultaneously operating release device(s) on the recline mechanism(s), actuates the reclining mechanism adjustability. The base portion is a dual-mode support, usable in a first mode of use mounted to support the upper portion, and a second mode of use independent of supporting the upper portion, that provides a rocking mode in the second mode of use independent of supporting the upper portion, the rocking mode is provided by a motion mechanism that is rotatable on the back end of the base portion to impart a rocking motion to the base.

Another feature that addresses the conventional problems and issues by providing a foldable device of the present disclosure with at least one detachable toy bar connector, many other detachable toy devices are contemplated. For example, it is possible that the infant can play with a hot air balloon toy, and the like while using the seating device.

Another feature is ensuring the safety of the children by designing and developing a safety harness mechanism that provides the best security to the child preventing the infant/child from falling or making the way out of the harness. The harness mechanism or system includes a five-point harness, a T-strap binding, a T-strap exterior, and a T-strap interior, ensuring the infant/child is secure while in the seating device.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an infant rocking seat includes a frame having an upper portion and a base portion, the upper portion is coverable with a fabric, and has a bottom end hinged to a front end of the base portion. The base portion is positioned along an x-axis from the front end to a back end, and the upper portion is along a y-axis from the bottom end to a top end, so the upper portion is adjustable to reclinable angles in a range from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. A recline bar includes a horizontal portion with at least one support extending to, and pivotably attachable to the upper portion. The horizontal position is engageable with detents located in one or more recline mechanisms attached to the base portion, wherein release devices of the recline mechanisms adjust the horizontal portion from one set of detents to another sets of detents resulting in adjusting a recline angle of the upper portion within the adjustable reclinable angle range. Wherein the base frame portion is a dual-mode support, usable in a first mode of use mounted to support the upper frame portion, and a second mode of use independent of supporting the upper frame portion, that provides a rocking mode in the second mode of use independent of supporting the upper frame portion. Wherein the rocking mode is provided by a motion mechanism (i.e., auto-rock housing unit) housing a motorized plunger configured to oscillate and cause the upper portion to rock along the x-axis, and the motion mechanism is rotatable in the vertical plane to selectively prevent the plunger from contacting a surface the base portion is resting on, to allow for a manual operation by a human to provide the rocking motion. Wherein the frame is selectively reconfigurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.

The infant rocking seat can be considered an infant apparatus, a child apparatus, a foldable apparatus, a foldable infant apparatus, a foldable device, a foldable baby device, a foldable child device, an infant supporting device, or a foldable infant rocking apparatus.

In another embodiment, the infant rocking seat may include a bottom rocker frame with a U-shaped member that has two curved legs. The seat may have a U-shaped seat frame member with lower legs that can be pivotally attached to the front ends of the curved legs. A U-shaped recliner bar may have ends that are pivotally attached to the underside of the seat frame. The curved legs may have several detents designed to receive the U-shaped recliner bar. A motion mechanism may be attached to the rear portion of the bottom rocker frame, featuring a plunger. The motion mechanism can impart vertical oscillating motion to the plunger, allowing the plunger to make contact with a support surface on which the curved legs may rest, thereby imparting a rocking motion to the bottom rocker frame.

Some examples of the infant rocking seat may have the motion mechanism pivotally attached to the bottom rocker frame.

The motion mechanism of the infant rocking seat may include a controller that can respond to a user interface.

In some examples, the controller may be in wireless communication with a remote control device. The infant rocking seat may also include a latching mechanism on each of the curved legs, designed to securely retain the recliner bar in selected detents where the recliner bar is received and to selectively release the recliner bar from the selected detents.

Practical Applications and Technical Utility

The engineering and development of the motion mechanism (i.e., auto-rock housing unit) resulted in including a feature to allow the user to rotate the motion mechanism, this adjustability was discovered during testing, which led to a later realization that rotating the motion mechanism provided user customization to be able to manually provide a rocking motion by the user or parent. Another aspect that was discovered is that the user can rotate the motion mechanism in the event the user placed the motion mechanism on a ground surface, causing the ground to contact with the motion mechanism, for example, if the motion mechanism were positioned on the ground in contact with it, it is possible the motion mechanism may not operate correctly preventing or disturbing the intended rocking motion. However, in such scenarios the user could rotate the motion mechanism away from contacting the ground, to allow for proper operation. Thus, the ability to rotate and adjust the motion mechanism away from contacting the ground expands its use allowing it to operate on varying ground surfaces including linear and non-linear incline and decline ground surfaces. Another aspect realized is the further user customization of rotating the motion mechanism vertically upward to allow a manual rocking motion.

Another feature of the motion mechanism is the design which includes a motorized plunger providing an oscillating effect resulting in the upper portion (where the infant rests or sleeps) simulating a rocking motion from the front end to the back end along the x-axis in a linear direction of motion.

As noted above, conventional infant holder systems configurations have included features to complement the overall usability of the infant/child product industries, however, some of these conventional holding/seat devices sacrificed functionality and usability of the infant/child products due to the features. This resulted in parents not using these conventional infant/child products, leaving them to fill a need and having to buy more infant/child products to overcome the product's shortcomings.

The embodiments of the present disclosure have considered and provided solutions to today's parents' technology demands and overcome some of the conventional problems that sacrificed useability or functionality. The embodiment of the present disclosure create infant/child products that can operate and withstand operating in many different types of environments that family lifestyles experience. Including user customization to use and operate the embodiments of the present disclosure on surfaces including linear and non-linear inclines and declines, without inferring with the operation, as well as incorporating innovative concepts that optimize functionality and usability to meet parent's demanding and busy family lifestyle experiences.

Regarding the summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It can be understood that not all such advantages can be achieved by any one embodiment. Thus, the apparatuses or methods claimed may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The presently disclosed embodiments will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective right view of an embodiment of an infant rocking seat, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a perspective left view of FIG. 1 of the embodiment of an infant rocking seat, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective rear view of FIG. 1 of the embodiment of an infant rocking seat, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the auto-rock housing unit (i.e., motion mechanism), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D are schematic diagrams illustrating views of remote control, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the securing system to secure an infant to the seat or top portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of hot air balloon toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the infant rocking seat of FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

While the above-identified drawings set forth presently disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective right view of an embodiment of an infant rocking seat in an expanded configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The infant rocking seat of the present disclosure includes the base portion or a u-shaped bottom frame 26a. A middle portion or u-shaped recline bar 25a has arcuate legs extending to, and pivotally attached to, an underside 8 of the upper portion or a u-shaped seat frame 27a that is covered with a fabric 3. The upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a is maintained at an acute angle with respect to the base portion or u-shaped bottom frame 26a. The angle of the upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a is maintained by the middle portion or the u-shaped recline bar 25a that engages with detents defined and located on top of the recline mechanisms. Each recline mechanism is positioned opposite from the other, attached to the base portion or the u-shaped bottom frame 26a. The angle of the upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a may be adjusted by repositioning the middle portion or the u-shaped recline bar 25a in another detent. The middle portion or the u-shaped recline bar 25a may be rotated away from the detents in order to fold the upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a into a flat collapsible configuration.

The motion mechanism or an electronic mechanism 28a is mounted to the back end 26c of the base portion or the u-shaped bottom frame 26a. The motion mechanism or an electronic mechanism 28a includes a motorized plunger 28d configured to oscillate and cause the upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a to impart a rocking motion. The motion mechanism or an electronic mechanism 28a may have a control panel 28b with capacitive touch controls, wherein the motion mechanism or an electronic mechanism 28a may be rotated so that the plunger 28d does not contact the ground in case manual rocking is desired. The upper portion or the u-shaped seat frame 27a may include a remote-control device in communication with the electronic mechanism.

The infant rocking seat or rocker 100 have components including a frame with an upper portion 27a (or a seat for an infant) with a bottom end 27b and a top end 27c positioned along a y-axis (see 40b in FIG. 3). A base portion 26a has a front end 26b and a back end 26c positioned along an x-axis (see 40a in FIG. 3). The bottom end 27b of the upper portion 27a hinges 19a, 19b (see FIG. 2) on the front end 26b of the base portion 26a. The infant rocking seat is configured to keep the infant comfortable, occupied with toys, and safe and secure. The infant has the option of bouncing along with being able to have the upper portion recline at multiple settings (or reclining angles), so the infant can sit, play, relax, etc.

An infant securing system to secure an infant or child to the upper portion (i.e., where the infant/child sits or sleeps), includes a T-strap binding 2a, a T-shaped cover 2b, a shoulder strap 2c (see FIG. 6), a crotch strap 2g, buckles 2d (see FIG. 6), and a five-point harness 2e. The infant securing system allows the infant or baby to have two modes in one: bouncing and rocking. The 5-point harness keeps the infant/baby securely in place and the removable hot air balloon toy provides a fun and play option.

Other features include the one or more recline mechanisms 24a, 24b (see FIG. 2) directly attached or fixed to the sides of the base portion 26a, and each recline mechanism 24a, 24b includes a release device 35a, 35b (see FIG. 2). The release devices 35a, 35b positioned on the outer surface of the recline mechanisms 24a, 24b are operable to disconnect the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 from the reclining mechanism.

The upper portion 27a is coverable with fabric 3 and includes a seat pad 1, where the fabric has channel stitching 4. The upper portion 27a has a toy bar 7a, a toy bar connector 7b, a toy strap 7c connected to a hot air balloon toy 7d configured on the left side of the infant rocking seat.

A remote-control device 33a to the motion mechanism (i.e., auto-rock housing unit) 28a (see FIG. 3) can be detachable to the frame, including the upper portion 27a on the right or the left side. It is contemplated that the remote-control device 33a can be located on the back 8 (see FIG. 3) of the upper portion 27a, if so desired by the user. The remote-control device 33a is in communication with the motion mechanism 28a located on the back end 26c of the base portion 26a to allow for a remote operation of one or more controls of the motion mechanism 28a. The base portion includes feet 21a, 21b (see FIG. 2) that can provide an additional stabilizing effect to the frame.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating a perspective left view of FIG. 1 of the infant rocking seat in an expanded configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the bottom end 27b of the upper portion 27a hinges 19a in FIG. 1, 19b in FIG. 2 on the front end 26b of the base portion 26a, as noted above. A top proximal end 25c (see FIG. 3) of a middle portion (i.e., a reclining bar) 25a is pivotably attached to the upper portion 27a (see FIG. 3). The reclining mechanisms 24a in FIG. 1, 24b in FIG. 2 are positioned opposite to each other on sides of the base portion 26a, each recline mechanism 24a, 24b is configured with detents to engage with a bottom segment 25d (see FIG. 3) of the middle portion or bar 25a. A locking mechanism configured within each recline mechanism 24a, 24b locks the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 in a detent. A lock-out mechanism configured in each recline mechanism 24a, 24b is structured to prevent the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 from unlocking which could cause the middle portion 25a to rotate away from the detent to transition with the frame from an expanded configuration as viewed in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 into a collapsed configuration as viewed in FIG. 8.

The release devices 35a in FIG. 1, 35b in FIG. 2 positioned on the outer surface of the recline mechanisms 24a, 24b are operable relative to the reclining mechanism (see 27a of FIG. 3) to disconnect the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 from the reclining mechanism located within each recline mechanism. Operating a release device 35a of FIG. 1, 35b of FIG. 2 on the recline mechanism(s) 24a, 24b, actuates the reclining mechanism adjustability. Specifically, activating the reclining mechanism allows the bottom segment 25d of FIG. 3 to release from a detent, and be readjusted to another detent allowing for a different reclining angle for the upper portion 27a (where the infant/child is playing, resting or sleeping) that is within the reclinable range of 90 degrees to 0 degrees (or in a horizontal position along the x-axis).

Alternatively, the upper portion 27a can have a toy bar 12a, a toy bar connector 12b, a toy strap 12c connected to a hot air balloon toy 12d configured on the right side of the infant rocking seat 100.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective rear view of FIG. 1 of the embodiment of an infant rocking seat in an expanded configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, each release device 35a in FIG. 1, 35b in FIG. 2 is positioned on an outer surface of the reclining mechanisms 24a, 24b in a location accessible to a user or parents. The design and development of structuring and arranging the release devices 35a, 35b location and operability was based on extensive engineering, testing, retesting, and more retesting, to ensure maximum safety and durability in operating the reclining mechanism to prevent any sudden or unexpected collapses of the infant holding apparatus. Other engineering and best practices incorporated into the release devices 35a, 35b were the ease of use and accessibility for parents to operate both devices. Specifically, simultaneously operating both release devices resulted in additional safety for the parents and children.

Other features include the reclining mechanisms 24a, 24b directly attached or fixed to the base portion 26a, allowing additional structural integrity to the infant rocking seat. Another feature is the upper portion 27a is coverable with a fabric 3 with a seat pad 1.

The infant rocking seat can be referred to as one or more terms or phrases including a Keep in Motion Auto Rocker an infant apparatus, a child apparatus, a foldable apparatus, a foldable device, a foldable infant device, a foldable baby device, a foldable child device, an infant supporting device, or a foldable infant rocking apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the auto-rock housing Unit (motion mechanism), according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The auto-rock housing unit 28a is rotatably attached to the back end 26 of the base portion 26a. In particular, the auto-rock housing unit 28a houses a motorized plunger 28d configured to oscillate and cause a rocking motion to the upper portion 27a in a direction from the bottom end 27b to the top end 27c (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) along the x-axis (see 40a in FIG. 3). Specifically, the motion mechanism provides a rocking motion to the upper portion where the infant rests or sleeps to experience the rocking motion.

A feature of the motion mechanism 28a is its ability to rotate by the user, where the importance of the adjustability was discovered during testing, leading to the later realization of expanding the operational use to allow parents to position the infant rocking seat on many different ground surfaces with effecting its operation. For example, if the motion mechanism were positioned on the ground that resulted in contacting the ground surface, it is possible the motion mechanism may not operate correctly preventing or disturbing the intended rocking motion, and it is possible issues may result. However, the ability to rotate and adjust the motion mechanism expands its use allowing it to operate on varying ground surfaces including linear and non-linear incline and decline ground surfaces.

Another feature of the motion mechanism is the motorized plunger that provides an oscillating effect resulting in the upper portion (where the infant rests or sleeps) simulating a rocking motion from the front end to the back end along the x-axis in a linear direction of motion.

Because the motion mechanism is rotatable in the vertical plane such that the user may move the motion mechanism upward to allow the human or parent to provide a manual rocking motion to the infant rocking seat of the present disclosure.

The motion mechanism includes a control panel with capacitive touch controls on the outer surface of an auto-rock housing unit to operate the motion mechanism simulating the rocking motion to the upper portion. Contemplated is that one or more controls can include one or a combination of, capacitive touch controls, mechanical controls, or both.

A capacitive touch control panel 28b is located on an auto-rock faceplate 28c on the motion mechanism 28a and controls the operation of the motion mechanism (auto-rock housing unit) in response to user touches. The capacitive touch control panel can include a transparent overlay layer, a sensor layer, and a display layer. It is possible the overlay layer can include glass, plastic, or other transparent (or partially transparent) materials, which may have a rigidity sufficient to protect the underlying sensor layer and display layer from damage due to repeated use cycles. Optionally, the capacitive touch control panel can include one or more components manufactured from a flexible substrate.

The capacitive touch control panel 28b can include a control circuit that has a processor and memory. The processor may be implemented as a specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and computer code for completing and facilitating the various user or client processes, layers, and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The memory is communicably connected to the processor and includes computer code or instruction modules for executing one or more processes described herein. The memory includes various circuits, software engines, and/or modules that cause the processor to execute the systems and methods described herein, including controlling operation of the display layer and a device motion.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C, and FIG. 5D are schematic diagrams illustrating views of remote control, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The remote control 33a includes buttons to control one or more controls of the motion mechanism 28a. Further, the remote control can include a clip as shown in FIG. 5c and FIG. 5d position on the back of the remote control to attach to the frame including the upper portion 27a, and possibly to the base portion 26a, including the back 8 of the base portion. It is contemplated that any attaching materials or other similar devices can be used.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of the securing system to secure an infant to the seat or top portion, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The harness mechanism or system includes a five-point harness 2e, a T-strap binding 2a, a T-strap exterior 2b, a shoulder strap 2c, a crotch strap 2g, and buckles 2d for ensuring the infant/child is secure while in the seating device.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of a hot air balloon toy, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The hot air balloon toy 63 is shown in FIG. 7. The hot air balloon toy 63 can be utilized as shown in FIG. 1 with the upper portion 27a that has a toy bar 7a, a toy bar connector 7b, a toy strap 7c connected to a hot air balloon toy 7d configured on the left side of the infant rocking seat.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of the infant rocking seat of FIG. 1 in a collapsed configuration, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Other Aspects of the Present Disclosure

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable device includes a frame having an upper portion with a bottom end and a top end positioned along a y-axis, and a base portion with a front end and a back end positioned along an x-axis. The bottom end of the upper portion hinges on the front end of the base portion, and a top proximal end of a middle portion is pivotably attached to the upper portion. Reclining mechanisms are positioned opposite to each other on sides of the base portion, each reclining mechanism includes (a) detents configured to engage with a bottom segment of the middle bar; (b) a locking mechanism configured to lock the reclining mechanism in a detent of the detents; and (c) a lock-out mechanism structured to prevent the middle portion from unlocking causing the middle portion to rotate away from the detent to transition with the frame from an expanded configuration into a collapsed configuration. Such that a release device is operable relative to the reclining mechanism to disconnect the middle portion from the reclining mechanism. Wherein, upon simultaneously operating both release devices on the reclining mechanisms, actuates the reclining mechanism adjustability. Wherein the base portion is a dual-mode support, usable in a first mode of use mounted to support the upper portion, and a second mode of use independent of supporting the upper portion, that provides a rocking mode in the second mode of use independent of supporting the upper portion, the rocking mode is provided by a motion mechanism that is rotatably attached on the back end of the base portion.

According to an aspect of the above embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable device is one of, an infant apparatus, a child apparatus, a foldable apparatus, a foldable infant apparatus, a foldable device, a foldable baby device, a foldable child device, an infant supporting device, or a foldable infant rocking apparatus.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the upper portion, the base portion, and the recline bar are u-shaped.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the foldable device includes at least one toy bar connector with one or more devices, that is detachable if so desired. The one or more devices include one or a combination of a hot air balloon toy, or a toy strap, and a harness mechanism includes a five-point harness, a T-strap binding, a T-strap exterior, buckles, and a T-strap interior, for securing an infant or a child to the upper portion.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable infant device including a frame having an upper portion and a base portion, the upper portion is coverable with a fabric, and has a bottom end hinged to a front end of the base portion. The base portion is positioned along an x-axis from the front end to a back end, and the upper portion is along a y-axis from the bottom end to a top end, so the upper portion is adjustable to reclinable angles in a range from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. A recline bar includes a horizontal portion with at least one support extending to, and pivotably attachable to the upper portion. The horizontal position is engageable with detents located on reclining mechanisms attached to the base portion, wherein release devices adjust the horizontal portion from one set of detents to another sets of detents resulting in adjusting a recline angle of the upper portion within the adjustable reclinable angle range. Wherein the base frame portion is a dual-mode support, usable in a first mode of use mounted to support the upper frame portion, and a second mode of use independent of supporting the upper frame portion, that provides a rocking mode in the second mode of use independent of supporting the upper frame portion. Wherein the rocking mode is provided by a motion mechanism having an autorock housing unit for housing a motorized plunger configured to oscillate and cause the upper portion to rock along the x-axis, and the motion mechanism is rotatably attached so that the plunger may be moved away from contacting a surface the base portion is resting on, to allow for a manual operation by a human to provide the rocking motion. Wherein the frame is selectively reconfigurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.

According to an aspect of the above embodiment, the foldable infant device is one of, an infant rocking seat, a child rocker seat, an adjustable rocker seat, a foldable infant seat, a foldable rocking chair, an adjustable foldable baby chair, a foldable child rocker device, an infant supporting device, or a foldable infant rocking apparatus.

Different embodiments of the infant rocking seat and their advantages can also be understood by referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6 of the figures. The elements of the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the novel features and principles of operation. Throughout the figures, like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various figures.

Furthermore, reference in the description section to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “various embodiments,” or any variant thereof means that a particular feature or aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” or variations thereof in various places throughout the specification can also refer to one or more embodiments.

Also, as used in the description section including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Definitions

According to aspects of the present disclosure, and based on experimentation, the following definitions have been established and certainly are not the complete definition of each phrase or term. Wherein the provided definitions are merely provided as an example, based upon learnings from experimentation, wherein other interpretations, definitions, and other aspects may pertain. However, for at least a mere basic preview of the phrase or term presented, such definitions have been provided. Further, the definitions below cannot be viewed as prior art since the knowledge gained is from experimentation only.

“User” means the person who can operate the control panel, and manually provide a rocking motion to the rocker.

The description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. Contemplated are various changes that may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed as set forth in the appended claims.