Portable reciprocation device for soothing an infant

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

[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.

[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.

Problems solved by technology

None of the methods are guaranteed to induce a child to sleep.

The overall design of the device is large and awkward and is intended to be stationary.

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.

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