Infant care apparatus

Abstract

An infant care apparatus includes a base. A drive mechanism and a vibration mechanism are coupled to the base. A movable stage is movably mounted to the base. An infant support is coupled to the movable stage. The drive mechanism imparts a first cyclic motion to the movable stage, and imparts a second cyclic motion to at least a portion of the movable stage independent of the first cyclic motion and imparts to the vibration mechanism to cause the vibration motor to vibrate the movable stage. The infant support is coupled to the movable stage and cyclically moves with both the first and second cyclic motions. A controller is configured to move the infant support with a selectively variable motion profile having a selectively vibrating pattern selected from different selectively variable motion profiles and selectively different vibrating patterns for each of the different selectively variable motion profiles.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 902,770, filed on September 19, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. background 1. Technical Field

[0004] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to infant care devices, and more specifically to infant care devices having an occupant area that can be moved by a drive mechanism.

[0005] 2. Description of related technologies

[0006] For years, baby swings, bouncy seats, cradles, and strollers have been used to support, soothe, and play with infants. Existing bouncy seats are typically constructed with a wire frame containing deformation resistance less than or equal to the weight of the child in the seat. Therefore, when a child is placed in the seat, his or her weight causes a slight and temporary deformation of the wire structure, which is resisted by the deformation resistance of the wire frame. The end result is a slight up-and-down movement of the child relative to the floor. This movement can be applied to the seat by a caregiver to play with or soothe the child.

[0007] Baby swings generally function similarly to swings for older children; however, baby swings typically have an automatic power-assisted mechanism that propels the swing to continue its swinging motion, much like a parent pushes an older child on a swing to keep them swinging at a certain height off the ground.

[0008] Some recently marketed products do not easily fall into the categories of flex or oscillation. One such product includes a motorized movement capable of laterally moving the infant, but it has only a single degree of freedom of movement and is therefore limited to the possible motion profiles. While the seat can rotate, allowing the infant to move back and forth in different orientations, only one possible motion profile exists.

[0009] There is a need for a motorized baby support that can move simultaneously or independently in at least two directions and reproduce a large number of motion profiles in both directions. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of various aspects of an infant care device according to the disclosed embodiments;

[0011] Figure 1A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 A side view of a part of an infant care device;

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of various aspects of an infant care device according to the disclosed embodiments;

[0013] Figure 2A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2 Side view of baby care equipment;

[0014] Figure 2B This is a perspective view of various aspects of an infant care device according to the disclosed embodiments;

[0015] Figure 2C This is a perspective view of various aspects of an infant care device according to the disclosed embodiments;

[0016] Figure 2D Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2C A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0017] Figure 2E Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2C A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0018] Figure 2F Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2B and Figure 2C A schematic diagram of a part of an infant care device;

[0019] Figure 3A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0020] Figure 3B Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2 A side view of a part of an infant care device;

[0021] Figure 3C Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0022] Figure 3D Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2 A side view of a part of an infant care device;

[0023] Figure 3E Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2 A side view of a part of an infant care device;

[0024] Figure 4 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0025] Figure 5 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0026] Figures 6A-6F Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an infant care device;

[0027] Figure 7 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0028] Figure 8A and Figure 8B Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0029] Figure 9A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A side view of a part of an infant care device;

[0030] Figure 9B Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A front perspective view of a part of an infant care device;

[0031] Figure 9C Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0032] Figure 10A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Bottom perspective view of a part of the baby care equipment;

[0033] Figure 10B Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A side view of a part of an infant care device;

[0034] Figure 10C Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Bottom perspective view of a part of the baby care equipment;

[0035] Figure 11 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0036] Figure 12 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 12 A perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0037] Figure 13 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0038] Figure 13A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 12 A front view of a portion of the baby care equipment;

[0039] Figure 14 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0040] Figure 15 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 14 A perspective view of a portion of the baby care equipment;

[0041] Figure 16 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 15 A perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0042] Figure 17 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 15 A top view of this section of the baby care equipment;

[0043] Figure 18 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 15 Main view of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0044] Figure 19 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 15 A side view of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0045] Figure 20 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 14 A partial perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0046] Figure 21 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 14 A partial perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0047] Figure 22 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 14 A partial perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0048] Figures 23A-23E It is a schematic diagram of representative motion profiles of various aspects according to the disclosed embodiments;

[0049] Figure 24 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary control system for an infant care device;

[0050] Figure 25 It is intended for use in various aspects according to the disclosed embodiments. Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Methods of applying movement to infant care equipment;

[0051] Figure 26A It is based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments and is in a first orientation. Figure 2C A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0052] Figure 26B It is a second orientation based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Figure 2C A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0053] Figure 27A It is based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Figure 26A First orientation Figure 2C A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility;

[0054] Figure 27B It is based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Figure 26B The second orientation Figure 27A A perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0055] Figure 27C Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 27A A schematic floor plan of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0056] Figure 28A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2C A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an infant care device;

[0057] Figure 28B It is based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments and is in a first orientation. Figure 28A A schematic floor plan of this part of the baby care equipment;

[0058] Figure 28C It is a second orientation based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Figure 28A A schematic floor plan of this part of the baby care equipment; and

[0059] Figure 29 These are methods for using infant care devices according to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0060] For the purposes of the following description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and their derivatives shall be used in relation to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments, as oriented as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that alternative variations and sequences of steps may be employed for various aspects of the disclosed embodiments unless expressly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following description are simple examples of various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the specific dimensions and other physical features disclosed herein in relation to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not to be considered limiting.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A , Figure 2 , Figure 2A and Figure 2C The accompanying drawings illustrate an infant care device 1 according to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Although various aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that various aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms. Furthermore, elements or materials of any suitable size, shape, or type can be used.

[0062] According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the infant care device 1 generally includes a base 3, an infant support 2, and an infant support connector 200 (or infant support receiver connector 200C) arranged to releasably connect the infant support 2 to the base 3. The infant support 2 includes mating support members 8, 8R, which are configured to engage with the infant support connector 200 (or infant support receiver connector 200C), as will be described in more detail below.

[0063] On one hand, the baby support 2 can be a crib 6, such as a stroller or cradle (e.g. Figure 1 (as shown in the diagram). In other aspects, the infant support 2 can be any suitable support, such as a car seat (see...). Figure 2The crib 6 includes a bottom panel 20 and continuous sidewalls 21 having a top edge 22. In one aspect, the crib 6 may include mating support members 8, 8R attached to the bottom surface of the bottom panel 20; in other aspects, the bottom panel may be attached substantially directly (as described herein) or in any other suitable manner to the base. The continuous sidewalls 21 extend around the perimeter of the bottom panel 20 and are attached to the bottom panel 20 to define an enclosed space 23 for placing an infant or toddler. The sidewalls 21 may be constructed of any suitable material such as solid fabric / cloth, mesh fabric, etc. Although the crib 6 is shown as having an oval shape, it may also be any other suitable shape, such as square, rectangular, circular, etc.

[0064] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 and Figure 2AAs shown, the infant support 2 can be the infant seat 7 mentioned above. Suitable examples of infant seats can be found in U.S. Patent No. 10,231,555, issued March 19, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Although the infant seat 7 is shown as having an elliptical shape, it can also be any other suitable shape, such as a square, rectangle, circle, etc. The infant seat 7 includes a mating support member or frame 8, 8R configured to at least support the weight of an infant or toddler. In some aspects, as will be described herein, the mating support member or frame 8 forms a rocker arm 2R with rocker rails 2610R, 2611R, which is fixed relative to the seat 7 in one or more aspects. In some aspects, the infant seat 7 includes any suitable movable element 19 that can be fixed or releasably coupled to the infant seat 7 in any suitable manner. In one aspect, the infant seat 7 has an upper end 11 and a lower end 12. The infant seat 7 is configured to receive fabric or other types of material to form a seating portion 15 for an infant or toddler. The seating portion 15 can be attached to the infant seat 7 using any suitable fastening mechanism, such as a zipper 24. Here, a zipper 24 is shown for illustrative purposes; however, in other aspects, the fastening mechanism can be a hook-and-loop fabric, a button, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In one aspect, the seating portion 15 may further include a strap 16 for securing the infant or toddler to the seating portion 15. The strap 16 is attached to mating support members 8, 8R in any suitable manner, such as using clips, rivets, buttons, etc., provided on the strap fastening member 17. The strap 16 is fed through a slot 26 provided in the seating portion 15 to connect to the crotch support 25 of the seating portion 15 to secure the infant or toddler. In one aspect, the seating portion 15 and the strap 16 can be easily removed by the user for, for example, cleaning or replacement. In one or more aspects, strap 16 forms a five-point harness (e.g., two shoulder straps, two waist straps, and one hip strap, see below). Figure 2B and Figure 2C In some respects, the straps 16 can be used to secure an infant within the infant seat 7; while in others, the straps 16 can form a safety harness with any suitable number of anchor points / straps, such as a three-point harness (e.g., two waist straps and one hip strap) to secure an infant within the infant seat 7.

[0065] Also refer to Figure 2C , Figure 2D and Figures 3A-3DThe mating support members 8 and 8R are connected to the upper end 11 of the infant seat 7 by the upper connector 13 and to the lower end 12 of the infant seat 7 by the lower connector 14. The mating support members 8 and 8R have any suitable shape such that when connected to the infant support connector 200 (or the infant support receiver connector 200C), the mating support members 8 and 8R orient the infant seat 7 in a predetermined position. For example, in one or more aspects, the mating support members 8 and 8R may have a longitudinal axis extending between the upper end 11 and the lower end 12 of the infant seat 7, wherein the mating support member 8 forms an arcuate element between the upper end 11 and the lower end 12 of the infant seat 7. Thus, the infant seat 7 with the mating support member 8 forms a cradle. The arcuate element allows adjustment of the angle θ of the infant seat 7 or cradle relative to the base 3 (see...). Figure 2 In other respects, the supporting member 8 may have interlocking arcuate portions (see...). Figure 3A This results in the curved portion being set at an angle θ. In other aspects, the supporting member 8R includes a hinged span member 266 (which will be further described herein), such that the hinged span member 266 is set at an angle θ (see...). Figure 2C , Figure 26A and Figure 26B ).

[0066] On the one hand, reference Figures 3A-3E The mating support member 8 is a forked or separate support member, comprising two support tubes 8A and 8B arranged side-by-side along the longitudinal axis of the mating support member 8. These two support tubes 8A and 8B are pivotally connected to the upper end 11 and lower end 12 of the infant seat 7 so as to pivot relative to each other in the direction P3. These two support tubes 8A and 8B can pivot from a first position 1000 (…). Figure 3A and Figure 3B Pivot to the second position 1001 ( Figure 3C and Figure 3D In the first position 1000, the two support tubes 8A and 8B are positioned together to form a mountable base (mountable to the infant support connector 200). In the second position 1001, the two support tubes 8A and 8B pivot away from each other to form, for example, support legs configured to independently support at least the infant support 2 and the weight of the infant or toddler placed therein on a surface such as a floor. For example, support tube 8A can pivot from the first position 1000 to the second position 1001 about axis P1 in direction PD1. Support tube 8B can pivot from the first position 1000 to the second position 1001 about axis P2 in direction PD2. On the side where the mating support member 8 has two arcuate portions, the infant's center of gravity CG ( Figure 3EThe baby seat 7 is positioned on the two curved sections such that it is stably supported on the curved sections, allowing for cuddling and rocking within a predetermined range of motion without unstable transition to the other curved section. Any suitable clips, latches, etc., can be provided to releasably connect the support tubes 8A and 8B together in the first position 1000.

[0067] refer to Figure 2C-2E The supporting member 8R includes support members 2610 and 2611. Each support member 2610 and 2611 includes a rocker portion 2610R and 2611R (also referred to herein as a rocker rail) and extender portions 2615-2618. The rocker portions 2610R and 2611R are connected to the upper end 11 of the infant seat 7 at the upper connector 13 by corresponding extender portions 2615 and 2617. The rocker portions 2610R and 2611R are also connected to the lower end 12 of the infant seat 7 at the lower connector 14 by corresponding extender portions 2616 and 2618. The rocker portions 2610R and 2611R have an arcuate shape to form a cradle with the infant seat 7, wherein the infant seat 7 has a center of gravity CG positioned above the rocker portions (or rocker rails) 2610R and 2611R (essentially similar to...). Figure 3E The center of gravity (as shown) is such that the infant seat 7 is stably supported on the rocker portions 2610R, 2611R, so that it can be held and rocked within a predetermined range of motion without unstable transitioning to the extender portions 2615-2618. In this respect, the supports 2610, 2611 extend the upper end 11 and lower end 12 of the infant seat such that the rocker portions 2610R, 2611R are separated from each other by a predetermined distance D. The predetermined distance D is any suitable distance that provides stable support for the infant seat 7 in the direction TD, which is transverse to the rocking direction RD of the infant seat 7. For illustrative purposes only, the distance D may be substantially equal to or greater than the width W of the infant seat; in other respects, the distance D may be less than the width W of the infant seat 7. The articulated span member 266, which will be described in more detail below, is connected to each rocker portion 2610R, 2611R and spans the distance D between the rocker portions 2610R, 2611R. The hinged span member 266 enables the infant seat 7 to be connected to the base 3 and is used to adjust the angle θ of the infant seat 7 when the infant seat 7 is connected to the base 3.

[0068] refer to Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figures 26A-27C The hinged span member 266 (also referred to herein as baby support connector 266) includes a base 2620 (in Figures 27A-27C(Only a portion of which is shown) and hinged supports 2621, 2622. An infant support connector or hinged span member 266 is arranged to releasably connect the infant support 2 and the base 3 for attaching and removing the infant support 2 from the base 3, wherein the infant support connector 266 is suspended from rocker rails (or rocker portions) 2610R, 2611R and has an integrated tilt adjustment mechanism 2777 for the rocker 2R. The base 2620 is configured to connect to the infant support receiver connector 200C as described herein and has an actuable gripper 2888 engaging the infant support connector 266. The gripper 2888 is configured to be actuated between a closed position and an open position to capture the infant support 2 to and release the infant support 2 from the base 2620, wherein the gripping actuation is separate from and different from the tilt adjustment of the rocker 2R. Hinged supports 2621 and 2622 form part of tilt adjustment mechanism 2777 and each has rocker arm connecting surfaces 2621R and 2622R that engage with corresponding rocker arm portions 2610R and 2611R in any suitable manner (e.g., using any suitable fastener) such that the infant seat 7 (including hinged span member 266) is suspended by hinged span member 266 when it is coupled to infant support receiver connector 200C. Each hinged support 2621 and 2622 is rotatably coupled to base 2620 so as to be indexable in rotation to adjust angle θ of infant seat 7 when it is coupled to base 3. The connection between the hinged supports 2621, 2622 and the base 2620 of the hinged span member 266 will be described with reference to the hinged support 2622; however, it should be understood that the connection between the hinged supports 2621 and the base 2620 is substantially similar (but in the opposite direction) and similar reference numerals will be used with respect to the connection between the hinged supports 2621, 2622 and the base 2620. It should also be noted that the construction of the base 2620 and the hinged supports 2621, 2622 described herein is exemplary, and the base 2620 and the hinged supports 2621, 2622 can have any suitable construction to achieve the connection between the hinged span member 266 and the rocker portions 2610R, 2611R and the baby support receiver connector 200C.

[0069] A tilt adjustment mechanism 2777 will be described according to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The tilt adjustment mechanism 2777 is configured to adjust at least one of the rocker arm rail tilt and seat tilt relative to the base 2620. The tilt adjustment mechanism 2777 also has an adjustment handle 2785, which is separate from and different from a grip actuation handle 2878 (also referred to as a cam rod) configured to actuate an actuable gripper 2888. For illustrative purposes, the hinge support 2622 includes a frame 2622F forming a rocker arm coupling surface 2622R. The frame 2622F has any suitable shape and size for coupling a corresponding rocker arm portion 2611R to the base 2620. The frame 2622F includes a base interface surface 2750 facing the base 2620 when the hinge support 2622 is coupled to the base 2620. A pivot pin 2720 extends from the frame 2622F to project from the base interface surface 2750, wherein the pivot pin 2720 is coupled to the frame 2622F in any suitable manner (e.g., such as using any suitable fastener or integrally formed therewith). The interface surface 2750 includes a guide groove 2730 and at least two pivot stop holes 2740A-2740C (three are shown for illustrative purposes), wherein the pivot stop holes 2740A-2740C are arranged substantially radially about the pivot axis AX30 at any suitable predetermined angular intervals formed at least partially by the pivot pin 2720.

[0070] The base 2620 includes a housing 2620H, which comprises a housing bottom 2620HB and a housing top 2620HT connected to each other in any suitable manner (such as using any suitable fastener). The housing 2620H forms a bearing 2760. Figures 27A-27C (A portion thereof is shown), which receives pivot pin 2720 and positions pivot pin 2720 (and hinge support 2622) relative to base 2620. For example, bearing 2760 forms a pivot axis AX30 together with pivot pin 2720 and sets a lateral distance D30 between pivot pin and, for example, the centerline CL of base 2620. For example, pivot pin 2720 includes a head 2720H, which is laterally held by bearing 2760 to control the lateral distance D30 and provide an operating clearance between base interface surface 2750 and housing 2620H. In the example shown, bearing 2760 is integrally formed with housing bottom 2620HB and housing top 2620HT; however, in other respects, bearing 2760 may have any suitable construction and be coupled to housing 2620H in any suitable manner.

[0071] The housing 2620H includes a pivot guide 2770 extending from one or more of the housing bottom 2620HB and housing top 2620HT. The pivot guide 2770 extends through a guide groove 2730 and guides the pivoting movement of the hinge support 2622 about the pivot axis AX30 by interfacing with the guide groove 2730. Note that the length of the guide groove 2730 limits the rotation of the hinge support 2622 about the pivot axis AX30 to any suitable range of rotation angles to prevent the infant seat 7 from undesirably tilting beyond the predetermined range of rotation when the infant seat is attached to the base 3.

[0072] The base 2620 includes pivot locking arms 2780 configured to extend into and retract from pivot stop apertures 2740A-2740C to adjust the angle θ of the infant seat 7 when it is attached to the base 3. Each pivot locking arm 2780 is slidably mounted to the housing 2620H for reciprocating in direction D27. Any suitable resilient member 2781 (such as a coil spring, elastic foam, etc.) is disposed within the housing 2620H and configured to bias the corresponding pivot locking arm 2780 to an extended position (i.e., toward the corresponding hinge support 2621, 2622) and into one of the pivot stop apertures 2740A-2740C. Note that although the pivot locking arm 2780 and the pivot stop orifice 2740A-2740C are shown as having rectangular cross sections, in other respects the pivot locking arm 2780 and the pivot stop orifice 2740A-2740C may have any suitable cross sections.

[0073] The pivot locking arm 2780 is provided from an extended position (e.g., extended through one of the pivot stop orifices 2740A-2740C) via handle 2785. Figure 27A (as shown) to the retracted position (in) Figure 27B and Figure 27C(shown in the diagram) an actuation to allow pivoting movement of the infant seat 7 relative to the base 3. A handle 2785 is movably coupled to the base 2620 for substantially movement in direction D26. Here, each pivot locking arm 2780 includes a cam surface 2782, and the handle 2785 includes a mating cam surface 2786, such that movement of the handle 2785 in direction D26A causes the mating cam surface 2786 to engage the cam surface 2782, thereby causing the pivot locking arm 2780 to move in direction D27 toward the centerline CL of the base 2620 (against bias provided by the elastic member 2781) to retract the pivot locking arm 2780 from pivot stop orifices 2740A-2740C. Retracting the pivot locking arm 2780 from the pivot stop orifices 2740A-2740C provides rotational movement of the hinged supports 2621, 2622 about the pivot axis AX30, thereby adjusting the angle θ of the infant seat 7 relative to the base 3. Movement of the handle 2785 in the direction D26B causes the mating cam surface 2786 to disengage from the cam surface 2782, such that biasing from the elastic member 2871 causes the pivot locking arm 2780 to move away from the centerline CL of the base 2620 and extend the pivot locking arm 2780 into one of the corresponding pivot stop orifices 2740A-2740C. The pivot locking arm 2780 extends into the corresponding pivot stop orifices 2740A-2740C to impede / prevent rotational movement of the hinged supports 2621, 2622 (and the infant seat 7) relative to the base 3 and sets / locks the angle θ to a predetermined infant seat tilt angle corresponding to the selected pivot stop orifices 2740A-2740C (e.g., providing a lockable tilt position for the infant seat 7). In one or more aspects, the handle 2785 is biased in the direction D26B by means of the interface connection between the cam surface 2782 and the mating cam surface 2786 and the biasing force of the elastic member 2781. In other aspects, the handle 2785 is biased in the direction D26B by means of any suitable biasing member (e.g., a spring, elastic foam, etc.).

[0074] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A , Figure 2 , Figure 2A and Figure 2CThe base 3 of the baby care device 1 includes a bottom support housing 4, a top cover 5 positioned on and at least partially covering the bottom support housing 4, a housing 280 including a cover 280C and a skirt 280S, and a housing base 281. In one aspect, the housing 280 is configured to accommodate a baby support connector 200. The baby support connector 200 is disposed within the housing such that the housing cover 280C at least partially covers the baby support connector 200, and the skirt 280S extends from the housing cover 280C to surround or enclose at least a portion of a movable stage 10 extending through the surface 5A of the top cover 5. The housing base 281 is configured to connect the baby support connector 200 to the movable stage 10. Figure 14 As will be further described herein, the top cover 5 includes a surface 5A that at least partially covers an opening through which the movable stage 10, supported on the bottom support housing 4, extends, as will be further described herein. Surface 5A may be a hinged surface, configured such that the opening formed therein moves with the movable stage 10.

[0075] In one aspect, the base 3 may have fixed or detachable legs 9. In another aspect, the legs 9 may be adjustable to raise or lower the baby care device 1, for example, relative to the floor surface or countertop on which the baby care device 1 is placed. The legs 9 include feet 9A, the profile of which is formed or otherwise shaped and sized to allow the legs 9 to slide easily over the floor surface. For example, feet 9A may have curved edges to substantially prevent feet 9A from getting stuck on the floor surface when the baby care device 1 slides over the floor surface under the influence of external kinetic forces. In one aspect, the base 3 may further include a storage basket 18 provided for storing baby or toddler equipment, accessories, etc. The storage basket 18 may be attached to the legs 9 of the baby care device 1 or any other suitable part. In one aspect, the base 3 may include a portable music player 55 with a speaker 56 and an input jack 57 for playing music or other pre-recorded sounds.

[0076] Now for reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 6A-6F and Figure 7 The supporting member 8 of the baby support 2 is configured to be releasably connected to the base 3. While the connection of the baby support 2 is described herein with respect to the baby seat 7, it should be understood that in some respects, the crib 6 can be connected by using… Figure 2 and Figure 2AThe mating support member 8 shown is connected to the base 3 in a substantially similar manner. As described above, the infant care device 1 includes an infant support connector 200, which is arranged to releasably connect the mating support member 8 of the infant support 2 to the base 3. The infant support connector 200 includes a movable support member 210 and gripping members 220, 225, such as those that are automatically actuated when the infant seat 7 is placed on the infant support connector 200.

[0077] For specific references Figure 4 and Figure 5 The movable support 210 is movably connected to the base 3 in any suitable manner for movement in direction D2. The movable support 210 is configured to form a support base 211, which engages with and supports the mating support member 8 of the infant support 2. The movable support 210 includes a rib 214 connected to the base 3. The rib 214 includes a slotted hole 215 through which a pin 299 is inserted to constrain the movement of the movable support 210 in direction D2. The slotted hole 215 has an elongated shape such that the movable support 210 can be in a first raised position 1150 in direction D2. Figure 6F ) and the second lowering position 1160 ( Figure 6B The movable support 210 further includes a cam mechanism 212 having a cam surface 213 (see at least...). Figure 6A The cam surface 213 is configured to interface with automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 so as to be in the clamping or closed position 240 ( Figure 6A ) and unclamped or open position 230 ( Figure 6F The gripping components 220 and 225 are automatically actuated between each other.

[0078] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 6A-6F , Figure 7 , Figures 8A-8B and Figures 9A-9C The automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 each include a base 231 and 235 with apertures 232 and 236 (corresponding pins 299 extending through apertures 232 and 236) and cam follower surfaces 222 and 227. Gripping arms 233 and 237 extend from the bases 231 and 235 and include gripping surfaces 234 and 238. The automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 are coupled to the corresponding pins 299 so that they can rotate relative to both the movable support 210 and the base 3 between an open position 230 and a closed position 240 (as...). Figures 6A-6F(As best shown). On one hand, the automatically actuating gripping members 220, 225 are coupled to their respective pins 299 for free rotation relative to the pins 299; on the other hand, the automatically actuating gripping members 220, 225 and their respective pins 299 can rotate as a unit relative to the slotted hole 215 and the movable support 210. The automatically actuating gripping members 220, 225 are configured relative to the baby support 2 to grip the baby support 2 using gripping surfaces 234, 238 when the baby support 2 is positioned on the support base 211. Figure 9B The automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225, actuated between the open position 230 and the closed position 240, capture and release the cooperating support member 8 of the infant support 2. The automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 are automatically actuated between the open and closed positions 230 and 240 by the movement of the movable support member 210.

[0079] For example, also refer to Figures 10A-10C The infant care device 1 may further include at least one toggle mechanism 250. In one aspect, the at least one toggle mechanism 250 may form an indicator to indicate the position of the movable support 210. For example, the at least one toggle mechanism 250 may emit an audible or tactile signal to indicate the position. In another aspect, the movable support 210 may be supported on the at least one toggle mechanism 250, which is configured to actuate the movable support 210 between a first raised position 1150 and a second lowered position 1160. The at least one toggle mechanism 250 actuates between the first raised position 1150 and the second lowered position 1160 using a helical cam 251 and a spring 252. For example, when the movable support 210 is lowered in direction D4 (… Figures 6A-6F and Figure 10B (For example, when the baby support 2 is being attached to the base 3), the at least one toggle mechanism 250 is compressed and the helical cam 251 rotates in direction R1. In this position, the spring 252 in the at least one toggle mechanism 250 is loaded into a compressed locked position by the helical cam 251. In this position, both the at least one toggle mechanism 250 and the movable support 210 supported thereon are in a lowered state. When the movable support 210 moves again in direction D5 ( Figures 6A-6F and Figure 10B (For example, when the baby support 2 is removed), the at least one toggle mechanism 250 is compressed, which causes the helical cam 251 to rotate in direction R1, thereby unlocking the at least one toggle mechanism 250 and allowing the spring 252 of the at least one toggle mechanism 250 to cause the movable support 210 to move in direction D5. Figures 6A-6F and Figure 10B ).

[0080] With at least one toggle mechanism 250 (and therefore the movable support 210) in the raised position 1150, the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 are in and held in the open position 230 via the interface connection between the cam mechanism 212 and the cam follower surfaces 222, 227 of the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225. With the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 in the open position 230, the mating support member 8 of the baby support 2 can be freely removed or placed into the support seat 211 of the movable support 210 to mount the baby support 2 to the base 3. To bias the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 into the open position 230, the cam follower surfaces 222, 227 of the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 are configured to interface with the cam surface 213 of the cam mechanism 212. For example, when the baby support 2 is not present on the support base 211, the movable support 210 is in a first raised position 1150, such that the cam surface 213 of the cam mechanism 212 engages with and resists the biasing force of the torsion spring 260, biasing the cam follower surfaces 222, 227 of the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 to the open position 230 in directions T5 and T6, respectively. As the cooperating support member 8 of the baby support 2 is placed on the movable support 210 by the user and the movable support 210 moves to a second lowered position 1160 in direction D4, the cam surface 213 of the cam mechanism 212 disengages from the cam follower surfaces 222, 227 (i.e., the lowering causes the cam follower surfaces 222, 227 of the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 to follow or slide along the cam surface 213 of the cam mechanism 212 in the respective directions D6 and D7). The torsion springs 260 of the corresponding automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 cause the corresponding automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 to rotate in corresponding directions T1 and T2. The corresponding torsion springs 260 bias the automatically actuated gripping member 220 in direction T1 and the automatically actuated gripping member 225 in direction T2 about corresponding pivot axes 221 and 226 so as to place the automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 in the closed position 240.

[0081] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figures 8A-8B On one hand, the infant support connector 200 includes a first tilt lock 31 and a second tilt lock 33, each including a locking pad 35. The locking pad 35 is configured to engage with the support member 8 to lock the position of the support member 8 relative to the base 3 and to set an angle θ. Figure 2The first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 are substantially similar to the locking mechanism described previously in U.S. Patent No. 10,231,555, which is incorporated herein by reference. The locking pad 35 may be made of rubber or any other suitable material. The first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 are configured such that the locking pad 35 removably engages the mating support member 8 positioned within the support base 211 via movement of a Z-link (not shown). Movement of the Z-link causes both the first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 to move in direction D12, thereby locking and releasing the mating support member 8 relative to the base 3. For example, to lock the mating support member 8 relative to the base 3, the Z-link drives the first tilt lock 31 in direction D9 and the second tilt lock 33 in direction D8, such that the first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 move toward the centerline CL of the baby support connector 200. When the Z-link is actuated to drive the first tilt lock 31 in direction D8 and the second tilt lock 33 in direction D9 away from the centerline CL of the baby support connector 200, the mating support member 8 is released. The first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 may include a locking member 36 to lock the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 into place. The locking member 36 is configured to move with the first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 in direction D3. For example, when the second tilt lock 33 moves in direction D8 to lock the mating support member 8 relative to the base 3, the locking member 36 also moves in direction D8 and is positioned below the automatically actuated gripping member 225. The automatically actuated gripping member 225 includes a locking surface 36A ( Figure 8B The lock surface interfaces with the lock member 36 and "locks" the automatically actuated gripping member 225 (i.e., prevents rotation of the automatically actuated gripping member 225). The lock member 36 is coupled to a motion link of the first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 so as to move between locked and unlocked positions in accordance with the engagement and disengagement of the first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33.

[0082] Now for reference Figures 11-13According to another aspect of the disclosed embodiment, an infant support connector 200' is shown. Except as mentioned below, the infant support connector 200' is substantially similar to the infant support connector 200. In this respect, the infant support connector 200' includes automatically actuated gripping members 220', 225', and the outer cover 280C of the outer casing 280 serves as the movable support 210 as described above. Here, the outer cover 280C is movably coupled to the base 3 in any suitable manner, such as by means of the outer casing base 281, such that the outer cover 280C moves in direction D2 relative to the outer casing base 281, which is fixedly mounted to the base 3. Note that the skirt 280S is coupled to the outer casing base 281 independently of the outer cover 280C, such that the outer cover 280C moves in direction D2 relative to the skirt 280S. The skirt 280S extends from the housing base 281 (or relative to the baby support connector 200') to surround or enclose at least a portion of the movable stage 10 extending through the surface 5A. The housing cover 280C includes a cam mechanism 283 with a cam surface 284 to enable automatic actuation of the automatically actuated gripping members 220', 225', as described below.

[0083] The automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' each include bases 231' and 235' with openings 232' and 236' (with corresponding pins 299' extending through said openings 232' and 236') and cam followers 222' and 227' extending from the bases 231' and 235'. Gripping arms 233' and 237' extend from the bases 231' and 235' and include gripping surfaces 234' and 238'. The automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' are coupled to the corresponding pins 299' to rotate relative to the housing cover 280C (and base 3) between an open position 230 and a closed position 240. Here, when the outer cover 280C is lowered in direction D4, the cam surface 284 of the cam mechanism 283 engages with the cam followers 222' and 227' of the automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225', biasing the cam followers 222' and 227' of the automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' into the open position 230. As the cooperating support member 8 of the baby support 2 is placed on the movable support 210 by the user and the movable support 210 is lowered to the second position in direction D4, the cam surface 284 of the cam mechanism 283 is lowered in direction D4, causing the cam followers 222' and 227' of the automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' to rotate in the corresponding directions T5 and T6, which forces the automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' into a position 230. When the cam mechanism 283 disengages (i.e., the housing cover 280C is moved to the raised position), the torsion springs integrated into the self-actuating gripping members 220', 225' cause the self-actuating gripping members 220', 225' to rotate in corresponding directions T3 and T4, thereby forcing them to the closed position 240. The baby support connector 200' may further include a shock absorber tower 288 to absorb any impact and maintain the stability of the baby support connector 200'.

[0084] refer to Figure 2C , Figure 2D and Figure 26A-28C In one or more aspects as described herein, the infant seat 7 includes a hinged span member or an infant support connector 266 configured to connect an infant support receiver connector 200C. The infant support receiver connector 200C is substantially similar to the infant support connector 200 unless otherwise stated and is configured to receive the infant support connector 266 as described herein. Here, the infant support receiver connector 200C includes a seating surface 2710 (FIG. 27) configured to receive the hinged span member 266. For example, as described above, the hinged span member 266 includes a base 2620 (in...) Figures 27A-27C(Only a portion of it is shown) and hinged supports 2621, 2622 rotatably connected to the base 2620. The base 2620 has a mating surface 2620B and the infant support receiver connector 200C has a complementary mating surface 200CS seated on the mating surface 2620B. Here, the complementary mating surface 200CS is configured to position the base 2620 at a predetermined position on the infant support receiver connector 200C. For example, see specific reference. Figure 28A The complementary mating surface 200CS includes a protrusion 2801, and the mating surface 2620B of the base 2620 includes a groove 2800, wherein the groove 2800 is placed on the protrusion 2801 and mates with the protrusion to at least partially position the base 2620 (and the infant seat 7) on the infant support receiver connector 200C.

[0085] The base 2620 includes a locking post 2810 extending from the mating surface 2620B. The complementary mating surface 200CS of the infant support receiver connector 200C includes an aperture 2820 that receives the locking post 2810 to at least partially position the base 2620 (and the infant seat 7) onto the infant support receiver connector 200C. The locking post 2810 extends through the aperture 2820 into the interior of the infant support connector, wherein the locking post 2810 engages and disengages from a movable locking arm 2830 of the infant support receiver connector 200C. In one or more aspects, the locking post 2810 includes a groove 2840, and the locking arm 2830 includes a fork 2841 extending into the groove 2840 when the locking arm engages the locking post 2810. The fork 2841 within the groove 2840 substantially locks the base 2620 to the baby support receiver connector 200C in direction D28, while the engagement of the locking post 2810 with the aperture 2820 substantially locks the base 2620 to the baby support receiver connector 200C in directions D26, D27 (see also) Figure 27C In other aspects, the locking arm 2830, locking post 2810, and mating surfaces 2620B and 200CS can have any suitable configuration for positioning and locking the base 2620 (and the infant seat 7) to the infant support receiver connector 200C. The infant support receiver connector 200C includes an anti-rotation surface 2710 (see...). Figures 27A-27C The base 2620 and the baby seat 7 engage the side portion 2620A of the base 2620 to substantially prevent rotation of the base 2620 (and the baby seat 7) relative to the baby support receiver connector 200C in the direction D25; while in other aspects, the base 2620 and the baby support receiver connector 200C include any suitable anti-rotation features (e.g., pins / grooves, mating grooves / protrusions, etc.) to substantially prevent rotation of the base 2620 (and the baby seat 7) relative to the baby support receiver connector 200C in the direction D25.

[0086] Still referencing Figures 28A-28C As described above, the locking arm 2830 is movable to engage and disengage from the locking post 2810. In one or more aspects, the locking arm 2830 moves linearly in direction D20 to engage the locking post 2810 and linearly in direction D21 to disengage from the locking post 2810; while, in other aspects, the locking arm may be provided with a pivoting motion such that the fork 2841 travels along an arcuate path to engage the groove 2840 in the locking post 2810 and disengage the groove 2840 from the locking post 2810. In an example, such as Figures 28A-28C As shown, the locking arm 2830 forms part of a cam lock mechanism including a cam rod 2878, the locking arm 2830, and a slider 2877. The locking arm 2830 is mounted to the slider 2877 in any suitable manner. For example, in one aspect, the locking arm 2830 is mounted to the slider 2877 so as to be slidable relative to the slider 2877. Here, the slider 2877 includes a beveled surface 2877R, and the locking arm 2830 includes a mating beveled surface 2830R. The connection between the slider 2877 and the locking arm 2830 is arranged such that the locking arm 2830 is movable relative to the slider in directions D20, D21, wherein (as the locking arm 2830 moves relative to the slider 2877 in directions D20, D21) engagement between the beveled surfaces 2877R, 2830R causes the locking arm 2830 to move in direction D28. As an example, the slider includes a guide 2877G (e.g., a rail, a protrusion, or any other suitable linear guide), to which the locking arm 2830 is coupled and slides, for example, within a plane defined by the engagement between inclined surfaces 2877R, 2830R. Here, the guide 2877G provides movement of the locking arm 2830 relative to the slider 2877 in directions D20, D21, while maintaining the engagement between the locking arm 2830 and the slider 2877 (i.e., the movement of the locking arm 2830 in direction D28 is due to the inclined surfaces 2877R, 2830R rather than any lifting of the locking arm 2830 from the slider 2877). Any other suitable fasteners or guide pins 2889A, 2889B may be provided to guide the movement of the locking arm 2830 relative to the slider 2877 and / or to movably engage the locking arm 2830 to the slider 2877.

[0087] Slider 2877 is biased in direction D21 (e.g., by means of any suitable elastic member 2811, such as a spring). Movement of slider 2877 (and locking arm 2830) is provided by cam rod 2878, which is pivotally coupled about pivot axis AX28 to one or more of any other suitable frame members of housing cover 280C, skirt 280S, or baby support receiver connector 200C. Cam rod 2878 includes cam surface 2878S, which is configured to combine with the bias applied to slider 2877 to achieve movement of slider 2877 (and locking arm 2830) in directions D2, D21. For example, as the cam rod 2878 rotates about the pivot axis AX28 in the direction R28 (e.g., the handle 2878H of the cam rod moves away from the housing cover 280C and / or the skirt 280S), the cam surface 2878S is a convex surface with a lobe peak 2878P (i.e., the distance between the axis AX28 and the cam surface 2878S is greatest at the lobe peak 2878P), wherein the cam surface 2878S is configured to engage with the offset of the slider 2877 to achieve the movement of the slider 2877 in the direction D21, such that the fork 2841 disengages from the groove 2840, thereby releasing the infant seat 7 from the base 3. For example, as the cam lever 2878 rotates in direction R28, the convex vertex 2878P causes an initial movement of the slider 2877 in direction D20. As the engagement between the cam surface 2878S and the slider 2877 passes the convex vertex 2878P, the cam surface 2878S causes a subsequent movement of the slider in direction D21, causing the fork 2841 to disengage from the groove 2840. The initial movement of the slider 2877 in direction D20 causes the locking arm 2830 to ride on the ramp surface 2877R, which raises the locking arm 2830 in direction D28A, thereby facilitating the release of the seat 7 through the vertical disengagement of the mating surfaces of the fork 2841 and the groove 2840. As the cam rod 2878 rotates about the pivot axis AX28 in direction R27 (e.g., the handle 2878H of the cam rod moves toward the housing cover 280C and / or the skirt 280S), the cam surface 2878S is configured to engage with the offset of the slider 2877 to achieve movement of the slider 2877 in direction D20, such that the fork 2841 engages the groove 2840, thereby locking the baby seat 7 to the base 3. Here, as the cam rod 2878 rotates in direction R27, the initial movement of the slider 2877 is in direction D20, wherein when the engagement between the cam surface 2878S and the slider 2877 passes the convex vertex 2878P, the cam surface 2878S causes subsequent movement of the slider in direction D21, such that the fork 2841 engages the groove 2840.Subsequent movement of the slider 2877 in direction D21 causes the locking arm 2830 to straddle downwards on the inclined surface 2877R. This lowers the locking arm 2830 in direction D28B, thereby assisting in locking the seat 7 through the vertical engagement of the mating surfaces of the fork 2841 and the groove 2840. In other respects, the locking arm 2830 may not move in direction D28.

[0088] As described above, the bias on slider 2877 is determined by... Figure 28B and Figure 28C The elastic member 2811 shown is provided. Figure 28B and Figure 28C In the example shown, the elastic member 2811 is a torsion spring, configured such that biasing the torsion spring attempts to straighten the torsion links 2890, 2891 relative to each other (i.e., resisting bending of the torsion links relative to each other about the pivot axis AX29). Here, one end of the torsion link 2890 is pivotally connected to the slider 2877, while the other end of the torsion link 2890 is pivotally connected about the pivot axis AX29 to one end of the torsion link 2891. The other end of the torsion link 2891 is pivotally connected about the axis AX27 to any other suitable frame member of the housing cover 280C, the skirt 280S, or the baby support receiver connector 200C. As the cam rod rotates in direction R28, the bias of the elastic member 2811 on the torsion links 2890, 2891 pushes the slider 2877 against the cam surface 2878S in direction D20 (causing the torsion links 2890, 2891 to unfold relative to each other), so that the locking arm 2830 disengages from the locking pin 2810. As the cam rod rotates in direction R27, the cam surface in direction D21 pushes the slider against the bias of the elastic member 2811 on the torsion links 2890, 2891 (causing the torsion links 2890, 2891 to fold relative to each other), so that the locking arm 2830 engages the locking pin 2810.

[0089] Note that, although Figure 28A A single locking arm 2830 and locking post 2810 are shown; however, in other respects, any suitable number of locking arms and locking posts can be provided. For example, as... Figure 28B and Figure 28CAs shown, the infant support receiver connector 200C can include more than one slider 2877, 2877A, and more than one locking arm (substantially similar to locking arm 2830) can be mounted to each slider 2877, 2877A. Here, another torsion member 2892 is pivotally connected at one end to the torsion link 2891 and at the other end to the slider 2877A. Another elastic member 2811A (substantially similar to elastic member 2811) is provided to bias the torsion member 2892 relative to the torsion link 2891 in a manner substantially similar to that shown above. In this respect, as the cam rod 2878 rotates in direction R28, the slider 2877 moves in direction D20, while the slider 2877A moves in direction D21, such that the sliders move away from each other in opposite directions, thereby providing a counter-release motion of the corresponding locking arm from the corresponding locking pin (e.g., the locking arm on slider 2877A is opposite to the locking arm on slider 2877, see...). Figure 28B As the cam rod 2878 rotates in direction R27, the slider 2877 moves in direction D21, while the slider 2877A moves in direction D20, such that the sliders move toward each other in opposite directions, thereby providing opposite locking movements of the corresponding locking arms to the corresponding locking pins.

[0090] Now for reference Figure 2E and Figures 14-19 In one aspect, the infant care device 1 may include a drive mechanism 60 coupled to a base 3, vibration mechanisms 90, 90A, a movable stage 10 movably mounted to the base 3, and a control system 50 (including a controller 51) communicatively coupled to each of the drive mechanism 60 and vibration mechanisms 90, 90A. In another aspect, the movable stage 10 includes a first (here rigid) platform 70 and a support platform 99. A lifting motion assembly 65 (here, for example, a double-scissor mechanism 94 having a first scissor mechanism 95 operatively coupled to a second scissor mechanism 97, though any other lifting motion assembly may be provided) (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 15The support platform 99 and the first platform 70 are movably connected. The support platform 99 is configured to engage with the housing base 281 and / or substantially directly engage with the infant support connector 200 in any suitable manner, such as using mechanical fasteners, chemical fasteners, or combinations thereof. A suitable example of a double scissor mechanism 94 can be seen in U.S. Patent No. 10,231,555, which is previously incorporated herein by reference. The first platform 70 includes at least one wheel 76 suitably disposed thereon, such that the first platform 70 is rollingly supported by said at least one wheel 76. A rail 78 is fixedly attached to the bottom support housing 4 of the base 3. The rail 78 is configured to receive and support said at least one wheel 76 of the first platform 70, such that the movable stage 10 is configured to reciprocate along the rail 78 in a first direction D1 (such as a horizontal direction). In one respect, the at least one wheel 76 may be a flanged wheel 77, the flange of which rides along the corresponding rail 78 within a corresponding groove in the rail 78, so as to linearly guide the movable stage 10 along the rail 78. In one respect, the movable stage 10 may reciprocate along the rail 78 for approximately three inches, while in other respects, the movable stage 10 may reciprocate along the rail 78 for any suitable distance, such as greater than or less than approximately three inches.

[0091] The lifting motion assembly 65 (here, the first scissor mechanism 95 and the second scissor mechanism 97) is attached between the first platform 70 and the support platform 99 to connect the first platform 70 to the support platform 99. Here, the first scissor mechanism 95 includes a first pair of spaced-apart parallel members 101, 101' and a second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103'. The second scissor mechanism 97 includes a third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105' and a fourth pair of spaced-apart parallel members 107, 107'. The lower ends 101L, 101L' of the first pair of spaced-apart parallel members 101, 101' and the lower ends 107L, 107L' of the fourth pair of spaced-apart parallel members 107, 107' are rotatably pinned to each other about axis 93 and to the first platform 70. Figure 18 Similarly, the upper ends 103U, 103U' of the second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103' and the upper ends 105U, 105U' of the third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105' are rotatably pinned to each other about axis 96 and to the support platform 99. Figure 18The first pair of spaced-apart parallel members 101, 101' are pivotally secured at their central portions to the second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103' via horizontal pivot pins or similar elements. Correspondingly, the third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105' are pivotally secured at their respective central portions to the fourth pair of spaced-apart parallel members 107, 107' via horizontal pivot pins or similar elements. When the support platform 99 is displaced, for example in the second direction D2 (such as the vertical direction), as will be described in more detail later, the first scissor mechanism 95 and the second scissor mechanism 97 move in a cross manner relative to the pivot pins, such that the double scissor mechanism 94 extends between the first platform 70 and the upwardly displaced support platform 99. Although the lifting motion assembly 65 connected to the movable stage 10 has been shown and described herein as including the double scissor mechanism 94, in other respects, the movable stage 10 may have any suitable configuration for providing reciprocating motion in the second direction D2.

[0092] Still referencing Figures 14-19 On one hand, another motion component (lateral motion component 61) is operatively connected to the movable stage 10. Suitable examples include providing a first horizontal bar 71 and a second horizontal bar 72, wherein the first horizontal bar 71 extends laterally between the lower ends 103L, 103L' of a second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103', and the second horizontal bar 72 extends between the lower ends 105L, 105L' of a third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105', to provide structural stability. Furthermore, the first horizontal bar 71 and the second horizontal bar 72 may further include support wheels 75 at their ends, which interface with the travel surface 87 of the first platform 70 of the movable stage 10 to support the double scissor mechanism 94 and the support platform 99. A third horizontal bar 73 and a fourth horizontal bar 74 are provided, wherein the third horizontal bar 73 extends laterally between the upper ends 101U and 101U' of a first pair of spaced-apart parallel members 101 and 101', and the fourth horizontal bar 74 extends between the upper ends 107U and 107U' of a fourth pair of spaced-apart parallel members 107 and 107'. The third horizontal bar 73 and the fourth horizontal bar 74 may include support wheels 79 at their ends for engaging and supporting the baby support 2 (as described above) attached to the baby support connector 200. Alternatively, the support platform 99 may be extended such that the support wheels 79 engage and are supported on the support platform 99, as... Figure 18 As shown by the dashed line in the image.

[0093] On one hand, the movable stage 10 may be provided with at least one elastic element 98, such as a tension spring, which is fixedly attached to two or more of the pairs of spaced-apart parallel members 101, 101', 103, 103', 105, 105', 107, 107'. One or more resistive mechanical elements (e.g., elastic element 98) may be provided and configured to assist the lifting motion assembly 65 (described below) in extending or retracting the double scissor mechanism 94 in the second direction D2. For example, one or more resistive mechanical elements may be coupled to the lower ends 103L, 103L' of the second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103' and the lower ends 105L, 105L' of the third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105'. Figures 14-16 In this configuration, the elastic element 98 applies tension to the second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103' and the third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105' and pulls the relevant portions toward each other, thereby, for example, assisting the upward vertical movement of the lifting motion assembly 65. In another example, the elastic element 98' ( Figure 18 The elastic elements 98 and 98' can be compression springs positioned to apply an expansion force to the double scissor mechanism 94, thereby pushing the relevant parts apart, for example, to assist in the upward vertical movement of the lifting motion assembly 65. The positions of the elastic elements 98 and 98' as described above should not be configured to restrict the precise attachment of the elastic elements 98 and 98' to the double scissor mechanism 94 and can be varied according to similar results. The elastic elements 98 and 98' also have the benefit of counteracting or amplifying the effects of gravity by acting to reduce or increase downward movement.

[0094] refer to Figures 20-22 And continue to refer to Figures 14-19 As described above, the infant care device 1 includes a drive mechanism 60, which is coupled to and supported by a bottom support housing 4 of the base 3. The drive mechanism 60 includes a lateral movement component 61 that applies a first cyclic movement (e.g., providing lateral movement) to the movable stage 10 in a first direction D1 and a lifting movement component 65 that applies a second cyclic movement (e.g., providing lifting movement) to the movable stage 10 in a second direction D2. As can be appreciated, the corresponding first and second cyclic movements applied by the respective lateral movement component 61 and lifting movement component 65 are directed in orthogonal directions and are therefore kinematically independent of each other.

[0095] The lateral motion assembly 61 includes: a drive portion having a first motor 62, the first motor having a drive shaft 63 and suspended in the base 3; and a sliding crank assembly 80 mounted to a bottom support housing 4 of the base 3. The first motor 62 is configured to apply a first cyclic motion in a first direction D1 to the movable stage 10. The sliding crank assembly 80 includes a transmission assembly 86 having a set of first gears 81 operatively coupled to the drive shaft 63 of the first motor 62 and a second gear 82 operatively coupled to the set of first gears 81. A crank member 83 having a first end 84 and a second end 85 connects the second gear 82 to the first platform 70 to apply the first cyclic motion provided by the first motor 62 to the first platform 70 of the movable stage 10. For example, the first end 84 of the crank member 83 may be rotatably coupled to a point on the outer circumference of the second gear 82, and the second end 85 of the crank member 83 may be rotatably coupled to the first platform 70.

[0096] In operation, actuation of the first motor 62 causes rotation of the first gear 81, which in turn causes rotation of the second gear 82. The rotational drive of the second gear 82 is coupled to a crank member 83 on the outer circumference of the second gear 82. As the first end 84 of the crank member 83 rotates about the second gear 82, the first platform 70 is pushed and pulled in a first direction D1 by the second end 85 of the crank member 83. This operation achieves reciprocating motion of the driven portion of the lateral motion assembly 61, which is coupled to the movable stage 10 and thus applies lateral motion to the movable stage 10 in the first direction, for example, along the rail 78. Therefore, the lateral motion assembly 61 is configured such that a single motor (i.e., the first motor 62) causes the first platform 70 to move in the first direction (e.g., horizontally), wherein the first motor 62 operates only in a single direction, thereby eliminating system backlash. The control system for controlling the lateral motion assembly 61 to achieve the desired motion profile will be discussed in more detail below.

[0097] Still referencing Figures 14-22A lifting motion assembly 65 is disposed on a first platform 70 of the movable stage 10 and configured to apply a second cyclic motion in a second direction D2 to at least a portion of the movable stage 10, independent of the first cyclic motion applied in a first direction by the lateral motion assembly 61. The lifting motion assembly 65 includes a second motor 66 disposed on the first platform 70, separate from and distinct from the first motor 62. The second motor 66 includes a drive shaft 67 operatively coupled to a worm gear drive assembly 120. The worm gear drive assembly 120 converts rotation of the drive shaft 67 into rotational motion of the output member 121 perpendicular to the rotation of the drive shaft 67. A vertical yoke 122 is rotatably attached to the output member 121 at its first end 123 in such a way that the attachment member 125, attached to the second end 124 of the vertical yoke 122, extends along... Figure 21 The direction D2 is vertically reciprocating. The attachment member 125 is configured to connect to and drive / support the support platform 99 (and the support wheel 79). Therefore, the lifting motion assembly 65 is configured such that a single motor (i.e., the second motor 66) moves the support platform 99 in the second direction D2 (e.g., vertical), and the second motor 66 operates only in a single direction, thereby eliminating system backlash. The control system for controlling the lifting motion assembly 65 to achieve the desired motion profile will be discussed in more detail below. Note that the motion assistance provided by the elastic elements 98, 98' can be used to deploy a smaller torque motor compared to omitting the elastic elements 98, 98'.

[0098] Because both the lateral motion assembly 61 and the lifting motion assembly 65 include separate and distinct first motors 62 and second motors 66, the lateral motion assembly 61 can be controlled independently of the lifting motion assembly 65. Independent control of the first motor 62 and the second motor 66 allows for the selection of a wide variety of variable motion profiles, including cyclic motion in a first direction, a second direction, or both.

[0099] Also refer to Figures 23A-23EThe control system 50 is configured to realize the movement of the drive mechanism 60 along at least one motion profile, such as, as examples, pre-programmed selectively variable motion profiles: Car Ride 201, Kangaroo 202, Ocean Wave 204, Tree Swing 206, and Rock-A-Bye 208. These selectively variable motion profiles are obtained by independently controlling the horizontal movement provided by the lateral motion component 61 and the vertical movement provided by the lifting motion component 65, and then coordinating the horizontal and vertical movements to obtain visually unique motion profiles. However, these motion profiles are used for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting, as any motion profile including horizontal and / or vertical movement can be utilized. On one hand, different selectively variable motion profiles are definitively defined by the selectively variable speed characteristics of at least one of the first and second cyclic motions corresponding to the lateral motion component 61 and the lifting motion component 65. On the other hand, the selectively variable speed characteristics of at least one of the first and second cyclic motions corresponding to the lateral motion component 61 and the lifting motion component 65 are selected using a common selection input from the controller 51 to the control system 50.

[0100] Refer again Figure 2E and Figures 14-22 On one hand, the vibration mechanism 90 is connected to the base 3 and arranged to cooperate with the drive mechanism 60. On the other hand, the vibration mechanisms 90, 90A are connected to the movable stage 10 or any other suitable part of the baby care device 1, such as... Figure 2E The baby seat 7 is shown. Figure 2EIn this configuration, the vibration mechanism 90A is integrated into one or more of the lower connector 14 and the upper connector 13. The vibration mechanism 90A is substantially similar to the vibration mechanism 90; however, the vibration mechanism 90A is coupled to the infant seat 7. In one aspect, the vibration mechanism 90A includes controls separate from and distinct from the controller 51. For example, the vibration mechanism 90A includes any suitable switch 247 (e.g., similar to those described herein) for turning the vibration mechanism 90A on and off. The switch 247 is also configured to periodically transmit different vibration modes / patches when repeatedly pressed / touched. In other aspects, the vibration mechanism 90A (with or without the switch 247) is remotely coupled to the controller 51 via a suitable wired or wireless connection, such that the vibration mechanism 90A can be controlled via, for example, a control panel 52. When the vibration mechanism 90A is connected to the controller 51 using a wired connector, any suitable electrical coupling 248 is provided on the hinged span member 266 and the base 3. They are connected to each other when the baby seat 7 is connected to the base 3 (e.g., to provide communication between the vibration mechanism 90A and the controller 51) and disengaged from each other when the baby seat 7 is disengaged from the base 3.

[0101] exist Figures 14-22 In the aspects shown, a vibration mechanism is mounted to the first platform 70 and positioned to reduce vibration pulses applied to the first motor 62 and the second motor 66 of the lateral motion assembly 61 and the lifting motion assembly 65. The vibration mechanism 90 includes a vibration motor 91 separate and distinct from the first and second motors of the drive mechanism 60. The vibration motor 91 is configured to cause the movable stage 10 to vibrate. The vibration motor can be any suitable vibration mechanism, such as a motor having an eccentric counterweight on an output shaft that rotates about the output shaft to achieve vibration. In other aspects, the vibration motor can be any suitable oscillating linear motor or rotary motor. The vibration motor 91 achieves vibrations of different patterns and intensities to form vibration modes selectively applied to the movable stage 10, which will be discussed in more detail below. In one aspect, vibration profiles are superimposed on the cyclic motion of the lateral motion assembly 61 and / or the lifting motion assembly 65. Vibration profiles can be superimposed on the lateral motion assembly 61 independently of the lifting motion assembly 65. For example, the vibration mechanism 90 can be mounted to any stage of the movable stage 10, such as to the first platform 70 and / or the support platform 99, to achieve the desired vibration superposition. Alternatively, the vibration mechanism 90 can be mounted to any part of the corresponding driven portion of the lateral motion assembly and / or the lifting motion assembly. The stage of the motion assembly to which the vibration mechanism 90 is attached can be freely selected without considering the effect of the connection on the corresponding reciprocating motion of the lateral motion assembly 61 and the lifting motion assembly 65.

[0102] refer to Figure 1, Figures 14-22 and Figure 24 The control system 50 can be mounted in the base 3 and is used to realize different selectable variable motion profiles applied to the movable stage 10 by the driven mechanism 60 and to realize various vibration modes of each different variable motion profile via the vibration mechanism 90. The control system 50 may include any suitable controller 51, such as a microprocessor, a variable resistor, a potentiometer, or any other suitable control mechanism for controlling the movement of the driven mechanism 60. As described above, the controller 51 is communicatively coupled to the driven mechanism 60 and the vibration mechanism 90 (and in one or more aspects coupled to the vibration mechanism 90A). The controller 51 is configured to realize the movement of the baby support 2 using a selectable variable motion profile with selectable vibration modes selected by the controller from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable different vibration modes for each of the different selectable variable motion profiles.

[0103] The control system 50 may further include a control panel 52 for observing and controlling the speed and movement of the drive mechanism 60, one or more control switches or knobs 54 for actuating the drive mechanism 60, and various inputs and outputs operatively coupled to the controller 51. For example, the control system 50 may include a horizontal encoder 130 coupled to the output shaft 131 of the first motor 62. Figure 20 The horizontal encoder 130 may include an infrared (IR) sensor 132 and a disk 133 having a single hole or slot 134 positioned thereon (see...). Figure 20 The horizontal encoder 130 is configured such that the controller 51 can determine the rotational speed and quantity of the first motor 62. The vertical encoder 135 (… Figure 22 The vertical encoder 135 can be provided and coupled to the rear shaft 136 of the second motor 66. The vertical encoder 135 may include an IR sensor 137 and a disc 138 having a single hole or slot 139 positioned thereon (see [reference needed]). Figure 22 The vertical encoder 135 is configured such that the controller 51 can determine the rotational speed and number of the second motor 66. The position of the vibration mechanism 90 can be selected, as previously described, to avoid noise that generates position signals for the encoders 130 and 135.

[0104] Furthermore, although the horizontal encoder 130 and the vertical encoder 135 have been described above, they are not to be construed as being limited to magnetic encoders, as other types of encoders known in the art may also be used. It may also be desirable to provide a device in which two or more control switches associated with the respective motor are actuated to achieve speed control in the desired direction. Moreover, although the horizontal encoder 130 and the vertical encoder 135 have been described as including only a single slot, this should not be construed as limiting, as encoders with multiple slots may be utilized.

[0105] On one hand, the control system 50 may further include a horizontal limiting switch 165 and a vertical limiting switch 167. Figure 14 This provides input to controller 51. For example, horizontal limit switch 165 and vertical limit switch 167 can be configured to indicate to controller 51 that the first platform 70 or support platform 99 has reached the end of its stroke. Vertical limit switch 167 can be configured to indicate when support platform 99 is in its lowest and / or highest vertical position relative to base 3. Horizontal limit switch 165 can be configured to indicate when the first platform 70 is at its furthest point from the center position relative to base 3, to the right and / or to the left. Horizontal limit switch 165 and vertical limit switch 167 are configured such that control system 50 can determine the initial positions of lateral motion component 61 and lifting motion component 65 and adjust drive mechanism 60 accordingly. In one aspect, horizontal limit switch 165 and vertical limit switch 167 can be optical switches or any other suitable switches. The position of the vibration mechanism can be selected, as described above, to avoid noise that generates position signals for horizontal limit switch 165 and vertical limit switch 167 (to prevent errors from overdrive motors).

[0106] The control panel 52 may also have a display 53 to provide information to the user, such as, for example, motion profiles, the volume of music played through the speaker 56, and the speed of reciprocating motion. In one aspect, the control panel 52 may be a touchscreen control panel, a capacitive control panel 52C (see...). Figure 2F Alternatively, it can be configured to receive common selection input from the user to select different, alternatively variable motion profiles from any suitable user interface. Control switches 54 (which may be capacitive switches 270-277, areas of a touchscreen, toggle switches, buttons, etc.) may include user input switches such as power, start / stop button 270, motion increment button 278U, motion decrement button 278D, speed increment button 279U, speed decrement button 279D, and the like. Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2FAspects of a baby care device 1 including an exemplary capacitive control panel 52C are shown, which includes a power switch 270C, motion switches 271-275 (corresponding to the exemplary motion profiles described below), a sound on / off switch 276, and a volume switch 277; however, it should be appreciated that in other aspects, the capacitive control panel 52C may include any suitable function switches as described above. Control panels 52, 52C may also include any suitable status lights / indicators 285-287 configured to indicate the state of the baby care device 1. For example, light 285 may be configured to indicate the power state of the baby care device 1 (i.e., on / off). Light 286 may be configured to indicate whether the sound is on or off, and light 287 may be configured to indicate the volume level of the sound. Control panels 52, 52C may also include any other suitable light indicators as mentioned herein. The controller 51 of the control system 50 may also include various outputs. These outputs include, but are not limited to, pulse width modulation (PWM) for the first motor 62, PWM for the second motor 66, and a display backlight.

[0107] The following explanation provides an understanding of an exemplary control system 50 of the infant care device 1. Based on the physical constraints of the first motor 62 and the second motor 66 of the lateral motion component 61 and the lifting motion component 65, the maximum speed of the first motor 62 can be approximately a four-second cycle and the maximum speed of the second motor 66 can be approximately a two-second cycle. Based on these constraints, the following relationships can be established:

[0108] Table 1 Car Ride Kangaroo Tree Swing Rock-a-Bye (Sleep Well) Ocean Wave Vertical loop (n) for each horizontal loop 2 4 2 2 1 Phase offset (Φ) 90 degrees 0 degrees 180 degrees 0 degrees 90 degrees Horizontal period at minimum speed 8 seconds 12 seconds 8 seconds 8 seconds 8 seconds Horizontal period at maximum speed 4 seconds 8 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds

[0109] The speed of the first motor 62 is independently set to one cycle, and a feedback control loop is used to ensure that the first motor 62 remains at a constant speed regardless of the dynamics of the components of the baby care device 1. As described above, the output of the control system 50 is the PWM signal of the first motor 62. One possible input to the control system is the speed of the first motor 62, which can be observed through the horizontal encoder 130. However, to avoid computationally intensive calculations, it can operate in the frequency domain and use the processor time base between the time bases (ticks) of the horizontal encoder 130 as the input variable. This allows the computational load of the controller 51 to be limited to integers, rather than manipulating floating-point numbers. The vibration mechanism 90 generates vibrations of different modes, which are superimposed on each variable selectable motion profile controlled as described above.

[0110] The physical drive mechanism for the lateral motion component 61 is a sliding crank assembly 80, which is configured such that the first motor 62 reciprocates the first platform 70 back and forth without changing direction. Because the first motor 62 only needs to operate in one direction, the recoil effect in the system is eliminated, thereby removing the problems associated with the horizontal encoder 130 on the output shaft 131 of the first motor 62.

[0111] It is known that the natural, gentle movements used to soothe infants are a combination of at least two movements, both of which move in a reciprocating motion with gentle acceleration and deceleration, such that the limit of the movement is a slow stop before the reversal and the fastest movement is in the middle of the motion. This movement is the same as the sinusoidal motion produced by the combination of the sliding crank assembly 80 and the worm gear drive assembly 120. The sliding crank assembly 80 and the worm gear drive assembly 120 are configured to cause the drive motor to operate at a constant rotational speed, while the output movement provided to the infant seat 7 slows down and accelerates, thus simulating the movements of a person soothing a child. These components are also configured to cause the drive motor to operate in one direction.

[0112] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 20 The torque on the first motor 62 depends on the friction of the entire system (which depends on weight) and the angle of the crank assembly 83. The torque of the first motor 62 is controlled by setting the PWM to a predetermined value based on a user-defined desired speed. The controller 51 may include feedforward compensation to control the speed of the first motor 62.

[0113] Figures 14-22 Any of the components shown can be set to zero. For example, reasonable accuracy can be achieved by using only the proportional and integral terms (where the constants Kp and Ki depend on the input speed) while ignoring the feedforward and derivative terms.

[0114] Based on feedback from the horizontal encoder 130 and the horizontal limit switch 165, the accurate position (labeled "hPos") of the first platform 70 can be determined at any point within its range of motion. Similarly, based on feedback from the vertical encoder 135 and the vertical limit switch 167, the accurate position (labeled "vPos") of the support platform 99 can be determined at any point within its range of motion.

[0115] Although the control of the first platform 70 is based entirely on velocity, the control of the support platform 99 can also be based on both position and velocity. For a given horizontal position (hPos) and a given motion (which indicates the number of vertical cycles (n) and phase offset (Φ) for each horizontal cycle as shown in Table 1), the required vPos can be calculated as follows:

[0116] Desired _v Pos= h Pos× v 2 h _ratio× n+Φ (Equation 1)

[0117] Where v2h_ratio is a constant defined by dividing the number of vertical encoder time bases per cycle by the number of horizontal encoder time bases per cycle. Based on the actual vertical position, the amount of error can be calculated as follows:

[0118] (Equation 2)

[0119] This error term must be correctly scaled to + / - 2 of the vertical encoder time base (verticalEncoderTicksPerCycle) per cycle.

[0120] On the other hand, if the directions of motion of wave 204 and vehicle 201 are incoherent, then each value of hPos is determined by... _ v There are two possibilities for Pos, and it is possible to make the vertical error term posErr based on the closer of the two.

[0121] The position error term posErr must then be incorporated into the velocity-based feedback control loop. Logically, if the vertical axis is behind (posErr < 0), the velocity should be increased proportionally to the error, while if the vertical axis is in front (posErr > 0), the velocity should be decreased proportionally to the error, as follows:

[0122] vSP = posErr × K VP + vBase (Equation 3)

[0123] in vBasw = hSP / n × h 2v_ratio (Equation 4)

[0124] Furthermore, h2v_ratio is defined as the horizontal time base per cycle / the vertical time base per cycle.

[0125] The above description is for illustrative purposes only, as any suitable control scheme can be used. As previously stated, the different vibration modes generated by the vibration mechanism 90 are superimposed on each variable selectable motion profile as described.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the infant care device 1 is configured such that the seat reciprocates with a vertical displacement of approximately 1.5 inches and a horizontal displacement of approximately 3.0 inches, wherein the vertical displacement frequency ranges between approximately 10 and 40 cycles per minute and the horizontal displacement frequency ranges between approximately 10 and 40 cycles per minute. In another example, the infant care device 1 is configured such that the seat reciprocates with a vertical displacement greater than or less than approximately 1.5 inches and a horizontal displacement greater than or less than approximately 3.0 inches, wherein the vertical displacement frequency ranges between approximately 10 and 40 cycles per minute and the horizontal displacement frequency ranges between approximately 10 and 40 cycles per minute.

[0127] On the other hand, at least a third reciprocating means (not shown) can be added so that the seat can reciprocate in a direction different from the first and second directions applied by the lateral motion component 61 and the lifting motion component 65 mentioned herein.

[0128] In one or more aspects, the control system 50 is configured to have any suitable “smart” connectivity features for remotely controlling a baby care device using smart home accessories / devices. For example, the control system 50 includes Wi-Fi connectivity and is configured to, for example, have Alexa connectivity (available from Amazon.com, Inc.) and / or Google Assistant™ connectivity (available from Google LLC) such that the functionality of the baby care device 1 described herein can be remotely operated via Wi-Fi connectivity. The control system 50 includes any suitable short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth. ® This allows audio streams to be transmitted from a remotely replaceable device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) to the baby care device 1 for broadcasting via speaker 56. Note that the control system 50 is configured to remotely control the baby care device 1 via a remotely replaceable device through short-range wireless communication, such that the functions of the baby care device 1 described herein can be remotely operated via the remotely replaceable device.

[0129] The control system 50 is also configured to have operational interlocks, such as preventing movement of the infant seat 7 when the cam lever 2878 is not locked (i.e., fully rotated to a predetermined stop position in direction R27) and / or when the infant seat 7 is not seated on the base 3. For example, refer to Figure 27C , Figure 28A and Figure 28BAt least one sensor (e.g., a seat lock sensor) 2866, 2869 is provided on the infant support receiver connector 200C (or at any suitable location on the base 3) to detect / sensor the position of the cam lever 2878 and / or the sliders 2877, 2877A. For example, sensor 2866 can be positioned on the housing cover 280C and / or the skirt 280S to detect the position of the handle 2878H relative to sensor 2866. For example, sensor 2866 can be a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, or other suitable sensor that detects when the handle 2878H is in a locked position (e.g., fully rotated to a predetermined stop position in direction R27). Sensor 2869 (similar to sensor 2866) can be located within the infant support receiver connector 200C to detect when the slider 2877 (and / or slider 2877A) is in a locked position (see... Figure 28C Or when it is in the unlocked position (see) Figure 28B Sensor 2867 (similar to sensor 2866) can be located on the complementary mating surface 200CS to detect the presence of mating surface 2620B (i.e., the presence of the infant seat 7 on the base 3). Sensor 2868 (similar to sensor 2866) can be located on the housing cover 280C to detect the presence of side portion 2620A of the base 2620. Sensors 2866, 2867, 2868, and 2869 are configured to send signals to controller 51, the signals reflecting information related to the presence or absence of the infant seat on the base 3 and / or whether the cam lever 2878 (or sliders 2877, 2877A) is in a locked position, wherein controller 51 operates the infant care device 1 or prevents operation of the infant care device based on the sensor signals.

[0130] Sensors (at least one sensor for detecting the state of the cam lever 2878 and at least one sensor for detecting the state of the infant seat 7 on the base 3) are used to detect the following usage states: (1) the infant seat 7 is on the base 3 but not locked, (2) the infant seat 7 is on the base 3 and locked, (3) the infant seat 7 is off the base 3 and not locked, and (4) the infant seat 7 is off the base and locked. For example, if the controller 51 determines that the sensor signals indicate usage states 1, 3, and 4, the controller 51 prevents the operation of the infant care device 1 and causes an error or lockout flag / message to be presented on the control panel 52 (see below). Figure 2F(Illumination of the lock mark 269 on the control panel 52). When the controller 51 determines that the sensor signal indicates usage state 2, the controller is used to operate the baby care device 1. In one or more aspects, the lock mark 269 may not be illuminated when the baby seat 7 is not detected on the base 3 but the cam lever 2878 (and the slider) is detected in the locked position.

[0131] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 14-22 and Figure 25 This illustrates a method 2000 for applying movement to an infant support 2. The method includes providing a base 3 of the infant care device 1. Figure 25 (Frame 2001). A drive mechanism 60 having a lateral motion component 61 and a lifting motion component 65 is provided and coupled to the base 3. Figure 25 (See frame 2002), wherein the lateral motion assembly 61 has a first motor 62 suspended on the base 3 and the lifting motion assembly 65 has a second motor 66 separate from and different from the first motor 62. A vibration mechanism 90 is provided, connected to the base 3, having a vibration motor 91 separate from and different from the first motor 62 and the second motor 66 of the drive mechanism 60. Figure 25 (Frame 2003). A movable stage 10 is provided, which can be movably mounted to the base 3. Figure 25 (See frame 2004). The movable stage 10 is operatively coupled to the lateral motion assembly 61 such that the first motor 62 applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction D1 to the movable stage 10 via the lateral motion assembly 61, and applies the first cyclic motion to the lifting motion assembly 65 such that the second motor 66 applies a second cyclic motion in a second direction D2, independent of the first cyclic motion applied in the first direction D1 by the lateral motion assembly 61, to at least a portion of the movable stage 10 via the lifting motion assembly 65, and applies the second cyclic motion to the vibration mechanism 90 such that the vibration motor 91 causes the movable stage 10 to vibrate ( Figure 25 (Frame 2005). The baby support 2 is provided to be connected to the movable level 10 ( Figure 25 (See frame 2006), such that a second cyclic motion and a first cyclic motion are applied to the infant support 2, and the infant support is configured to cyclically move relative to the base 3 in both a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. A controller 51 is communicatively coupled to a drive mechanism 60 to move the infant support 2 using a selectable variable motion profile with selectable vibration modes selected by the controller 51 from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable variable motion profiles with selectable vibration modes for each of the different selectable variable motion profiles. Figure 25 (Frame 2007).

[0132] refer to Figure 29An exemplary method for using an infant care device 1 will be described. According to this method, the infant care device 1 has a base 3 and an infant support 2 with mating support members or frames 8, 8R, the frames having a seat 7 configured to support an infant, the mating support members or frames 8, 8R being configured to form a rocker 2R with rocker rails 2610R, 2610L. The method includes releasably connecting the infant support 2 to the base 3 using an infant support connector 266. Figure 29 (Frame 2900) to mount the infant support 2 to and remove the infant support 2 from the base 3, wherein the infant support connector 266 is suspended from rocker rails 2610R, 2610L and has an integrated tilt adjustment mechanism 2777 with rocker 2R. The method also includes using the tilt adjustment mechanism 2777 to adjust at least one of the rocker rail tilt and seat tilt relative to the base 3 separately by releasably connecting the infant support 2 to the base 3. Figure 29 (frame 292). As described herein, the base 3 has an actuable gripper 2888 that engages with the baby support connector 266. The actuable gripper 2888 is configured to be actuated between a closed position and an open position to capture the baby support 2 to the base 3 and release the baby support 2 from the base 2620, wherein the gripping actuation is separate from and distinct from the tilt adjustment of the rocker arm 2R.

[0133] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an infant device having an infant support is provided. The infant device includes a base and an infant support connector arranged to releasably engage the infant support to the base. The infant support connector includes: a movable support movably connected to the base and configured to form a support seat that engages and supports the infant support on the base when the movable support is in a first position (relative to the base); and an actuable gripping member configured to be actuated between a closed position and an open position to capture the infant support to the base and release the infant support from the base, wherein the actuable gripping member is automatically actuated between the closed and open positions by the movement of the movable support to the first position.

[0134] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an actuable gripping member is provided relative to the infant support to achieve gripping.

[0135] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the baby support has no gripping elements.

[0136] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the movable support has a cam that causes the gripping member to move from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position.

[0137] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an infant care device is provided. The infant care device includes: a base; a drive mechanism coupled to the base and having a first motion component and a second motion component; wherein the first motion component has a first motor suspended in the base and the second motion component has a second motor separate from and different from the first motor; a vibration mechanism coupled to the base to cooperate with the drive mechanism, the vibration mechanism having a vibration motor separate from and different from the first and second motors of the drive mechanism; a movable stage movably mounted to the base and operatively coupled to the first motion component such that the first motor applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction to the movable stage via the first motion component, and applies a first cyclic motion in the first direction to the second motion component such that the second motor applies a first cyclic motion in the first direction to at least a portion of the movable stage via the second motion component. A second cyclic motion in a second direction, independent of the first cyclic motion applied in a first direction by the first motion component, is applied to the vibration mechanism such that the vibration motor causes the movable stage to vibrate; an infant support, which is coupled to the movable stage such that the second cyclic motion and the first cyclic motion are applied to the infant support, and the infant support is configured to cyclically move relative to the base in both the first and second directions; and a controller, which is communicatively coupled to the drive mechanism and configured to move the infant support using a selectable variable motion profile with selectable vibration modes selected by the controller from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable different vibration modes for each of the different selectable variable motion profiles.

[0138] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is configured to move the infant support using separate forces applied individually to the infant support in both a first cyclic motion and a second cyclic motion driven by a first motor and a second motor, respectively, in both a first direction and a second direction, to selectively vary the motion profile.

[0139] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is configured to select a selectable variable motion profile by selecting a selectable variable motion profile based on the individual differences in motion characteristics of separate corresponding first and second cyclic motions determined according to a common selection input to the controller.

[0140] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, at least a portion of the movable stage isolates the drive mechanism from the base.

[0141] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, each of the different optional variable motion profiles is qualitatively defined by the optional variable speed characteristics of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic motions of the first and second motion components and the optional variable speed characteristics of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic motions of the first and second motion components.

[0142] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a controller uses a common selection input from the controller to select a selectable variable speed characteristic of at least one of the first and second cyclic movements of the first and second motion components.

[0143] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, each of the different alternatively variable motion profiles includes at least one of horizontal and vertical motion.

[0144] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the first motion assembly includes a first motor having a drive shaft and a sliding crank assembly, the sliding crank assembly including a transmission assembly coupled to the drive shaft of the first motor and a crank member coupled to the transmission assembly and a movable stage, wherein operation of the first motor causes rotation of the sliding crank assembly, thereby applying a first cyclic motion to the movable stage.

[0145] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the second motion component includes a second motor having a drive shaft, a worm gear assembly coupled to the output of the drive shaft, and a vertical yoke having a first end coupled to the output shaft of the worm gear assembly, wherein operation of the second motor causes rotation of the vertical yoke, thereby applying a second cyclic motion to the baby support.

[0146] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the second motion component further includes a double scissor mechanism coupled to a second end of a vertical yoke configured to support an infant support.

[0147] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a first encoder having a single slot is coupled to a first drive shaft of a first motor, and a second encoder having a single slot is coupled to a second drive shaft of a second motor.

[0148] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller determines the position information of the baby support based at least in part on information from the first encoder and the second encoder.

[0149] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a method is provided. The method includes: providing a base of an infant care device; providing a drive mechanism coupled to the base, the drive mechanism having a first motion component and a second motion component, wherein the first motion component has a first motor suspended from the base and the second motion component has a second motor separate and distinct from the first motor; providing a vibration mechanism coupled to the base and arranged to cooperate with the drive mechanism, the vibration mechanism having a vibration motor separate and distinct from the first and second motors of the drive mechanism; providing a movable stage movably mounted to the base and operatively coupled to the first motion component such that the first motor applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction to the movable stage via the first motion component, and applies the first cyclic motion in a first direction to the second motion component such that the second motor applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction to the second motion component, such that the second motor applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction to the second motion component via the second motion component. At least a portion of the movable stage applies a second cyclic motion in a second direction, independent of the first cyclic motion applied in a first direction by the first motion component, and applies the second cyclic motion to the vibration mechanism such that the vibration motor causes the movable stage to vibrate; an infant support is provided, which is coupled to the movable stage such that the second cyclic motion and the first cyclic motion are applied to the infant support, and the infant support is configured to cyclically move relative to the base in both the first and second directions; and the infant support is moved using a controller communicatively coupled to the drive mechanism by using a controller to select a selectable cyclic motion profile having selectable vibration modes selected from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable different vibration modes for each of the different selectable variable profiles.

[0150] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a first encoder is coupled to a first drive shaft of a first motor, and a second encoder is coupled to a second drive shaft of a second motor.

[0151] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, both the first encoder and the second encoder include only one slot.

[0152] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is used to determine the position information of the baby support based at least in part on information from the first encoder and the second encoder.

[0153] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, each of different selectable variable motion profiles is predetermined, and the method further includes selecting one of the selectable variable motion profiles by a user.

[0154] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the baby device includes: a baby support; a base; and a baby support connector arranged to releasably connect the baby support to the base, the baby support connector including: a movable support movably connected to the base and configured to form a support seat for engaging and supporting the baby support on the base; and a cam locking mechanism configured to lock the baby support to the base.

[0155] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the cam lock mechanism includes: a cam rod pivotally coupled to a base, the cam rod having a cam surface; a slider movably mounted within the base, the slider being configured to interface with the cam surface of the cam rod; and a locking arm coupled to the slider for sliding with the slider as a single unit, wherein pivoting movement of the cam rod causes reciprocating movement of the locking arm to achieve locking the baby support to the base and unlocking the baby support from the base.

[0156] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the baby support includes a hinged span member having a locking post extending therefrom, and the cam locking mechanism includes a locking arm that engages the locking post to lock the baby support to a base.

[0157] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an infant support includes an infant seat and two rocker supports coupled to the infant seat, wherein an articulated span member extends between the two rocker supports and connects the two rocker supports to each other.

[0158] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the articulated span member includes: a span member base, a locking post extending from the span member base; and an articulated support pivotally coupled to the span member base, wherein the articulated support engages the span member base to lock the articulated support relative to the base in one of a plurality of predetermined angular positions to adjust the tilt position of the baby support relative to the base.

[0159] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the span member base includes a pivot locking arm; and the hinged support includes a plurality of pivot stop orifices, each configured to receive the pivot locking arm therein, wherein the pivot locking arm is configured to selectively retract from one pivot stop orifice and be inserted into another pivot stop orifice to lock the infant support in a predetermined tilt position corresponding to one of the pivot stop orifices.

[0160] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an infant care device has an infant support, the infant care device comprising: a base; an infant support having a frame having a seat configured to support an infant, the frame being configured to form a rocker arm having a rocker rail; and an infant support connector arranged to releasably connect the infant support and the base for attaching the infant support to and removing the infant support from the base, wherein the infant support connector is suspended from the rocker rail and has an integral tilt adjustment mechanism for the rocker arm; wherein the base has an actuable gripper engaging the infant support connector, the actuable gripper being configured to be actuated between a closed position and an open position for capturing the infant support to and releasing the infant support from the base, wherein the gripping actuation is separate from and distinct from the tilt adjustment of the rocker arm.

[0161] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the rocker rail is fixed relative to the seat.

[0162] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the tilt adjustment mechanism is configured to tilt relative to at least one of the base adjustment rocker rail and the seat tilt.

[0163] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the tilt adjustment mechanism has an adjustment handle that is separate from and different from a gripping actuation handle configured to actuate an actuable gripper.

[0164] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a method for an infant care device is provided, the infant care device having a base and an infant support with a frame having a seat configured to support an infant, the frame being configured to form a rocker arm having a rocker arm rail, the method comprising: releasably coupling the infant support to the base using an infant support coupling to install the infant support to the base and remove the infant support from the base, wherein the infant support coupling is suspended from the rocker arm rail and has an integral tilt adjustment mechanism for the rocker arm; and using the tilt adjustment mechanism to adjust at least one of tilting the rocker arm rail and tilting the seat relative to the base separately from the base by releasably coupling the infant support to the base; wherein the base has an actuable gripper engaging the infant support coupling, the actuable gripper being configured to be actuated between a closed position and an open position to capture the infant support to the base and release the infant support from the base, wherein the gripping actuation is separate from and distinct from the tilt adjustment of the rocker arm.

[0165] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the rocker rail is fixed relative to the seat.

[0166] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the tilt adjustment mechanism has an adjustment handle that is separate from and different from a gripping actuation handle configured to actuate an actuable gripper.

[0167] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, and variations falling within the scope of any of the appended claims. Furthermore, the recitation of different features in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not imply that combinations of these features cannot be advantageously used, such combinations still remain within the scope of the aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. A baby device, comprising: Baby support; Base; and An infant support connector arranged to releasably connect the infant support to the base, the infant support connector comprising: A movable support separate from and distinct from the infant support, the movable support being movably connected to the base and disposed on the base to form a support seat that engages and supports the infant support on the base; and A cam-locking mechanism is configured to lock the baby support to the base as the movable support moves. in: The baby support includes a hinged span member having a locking post extending therefrom. The cam-locking mechanism includes a locking arm that engages the locking pin to lock the baby support to the base; and The infant support includes an infant seat and two rocker supports connected to the infant seat, wherein the hinged span member extends between the two rocker supports and connects the two rocker supports to each other.

2. The baby device according to claim 1, wherein the cam lock mechanism comprises: A cam rod pivotally connected to the base, the cam rod having a cam surface; A slider is movably mounted within the base, the slider being configured to interface with the cam surface of the cam rod; as well as A locking arm is coupled to the slider to slide with the slider as a single unit, wherein the pivoting motion of the cam rod causes the reciprocating motion of the locking arm to lock the baby support to the base and unlock the baby support from the base.

3. The infant device of claim 1, wherein the hinged span member comprises: The locking post extends from the base of the span member; as well as A hinged support is pivotally connected to the base of the span member, wherein the hinged support engages the base of the span member to lock the hinged support relative to the base in one of a plurality of predetermined angular positions in order to adjust the tilt position of the baby support relative to the base.

4. The baby device according to claim 3, wherein: The base of the span member includes a pivot locking arm; and The hinged support includes a plurality of pivot stop orifices, each configured to receive the pivot locking arm therein, wherein the pivot locking arm is configured to selectively retract from one pivot stop orifice and be inserted into another pivot stop orifice to lock the baby support in a predetermined tilt position corresponding to a selected one of the pivot stop orifices.

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