Convertible pacifying baby seat

Abstract

A convertible pacifying seat for an infant is provided that includes a support frame, a seat portion pivotally connected to the support frame, where the seat portion is configured to actuate between a pacifying configuration and a sleep safety configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a convertible infant seat, and in particular, to an infant seat that can be converted into a sleep safe form. Background Art

[0002] A soothing infant seat, such as a rocking chair, is a seat that can be tilted and can be adapted to securely support an infant and provide soothing motion, such as a rocking or bouncing motion. The soothing seat can be set in motion by manually rocking the seat, while the structure of the soothing seat is configured to allow the rocking or bouncing motion to continue for a short period of time without further manual input. Some soothing seats can be electrically driven by an electric drive mechanism without the need for manual input.

[0003] A soothing infant seat may need to be reclined or arched in shape to support the weight of the infant underneath, but also to support the infant's head for viewing and interaction. Because there is a risk that the infant may fall out of the front of the seat in a reclined position and / or fall out due to the bouncing motion, the soothing infant seat may include some form of safety support or harness to hold the infant in place in the seat.

[0004] A cradle is a bed that is usually used for infants aged 0 to 6 months (although it can be used for larger infants as well), and may include a flat surface for the infant to sleep on, and should be free of obstacles that may be dangerous to the infant, such as loose blankets or pillows. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a little-known cause of infant death that usually occurs during sleep. Although the exact cause of SIDS is not clear, it is strongly recommended that infants should be placed on their backs on a horizontal, flat, firm mattress, and free of obstacles and loose bedding for sleep. In the case where a cradle or crib meets these and other requirements, the cradle can be described as sleep-safe. For safety, parents should not allow infants to sleep alone in a non-sleep-safe environment for any extended period of time. This may cause problems for parents who have successfully soothed their infants to sleep in a soothing seat, because the tilted position of the soothing seat is unsafe for sleep, and the infant cannot be left unattended. In order to allow the infant to fall asleep, parents need to first transfer the infant to a sleep-safe environment, which brings the risk of disturbing the infant's sleep or even waking the infant. The present disclosure provides a convertible soother seat that may allow a parent to convert the soother seat to a sleep-safe configuration without having to move the infant to another environment, or otherwise disturb them. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first aspect, a convertible soothing infant seat for an infant is provided, the convertible soothing infant seat comprising a support frame, a seat portion, the seat portion being pivotally connected to the support frame, wherein the seat portion can be configured to actuate between a soothing configuration and a sleep-safe configuration. Since the convertible soothing infant seat can actuate between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration, in use, the infant can be allowed to continue sleeping after falling asleep in the soothing configuration, but the convertible soothing seat can be adjusted to a safe sleep state. For example, once the infant falls asleep in the soothing configuration, the convertible soothing seat can be adjusted to a safe sleep state without having to remove or wake the infant from the convertible soothing seat.

[0006] In another aspect, the convertible comfort seat is provided, wherein the seat portion may include a bottom support portion and a backrest portion, wherein the bottom support portion and the backrest portion are pivotally coupled such that the backrest portion can rotate relative to the bottom support portion between a flat configuration and an arched configuration.

[0007] In another aspect, the convertible comfort seat is provided wherein the seat portion may include a support and a membrane stretched over the support.

[0008] By converting the seat portion between the flat configuration and the arched configuration, the surface on which the infant rests can be switched between providing adequate support for the infant's spine (when in the flexed position) and a flat surface suitable for the infant to sleep safely for long periods of time.

[0009] In addition, the convertible soothing seat may further include a tensioner configured to tension the membrane into a flat configuration, in which the membrane is kept flat by tension, and the tensioner is configured to release the membrane to an arched configuration, in which the membrane can conform to the shape of the support; or it is characterized in that the convertible soothing seat further includes a support actuating element, which is configured to actuate the support between a first position and a second position, in which the membrane is kept flat by conforming to the support, and the second position is farther from the membrane than in the first position, in which the membrane can bend into a concave shape.

[0010] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided, wherein the seat portion can be configured to transition from the arched configuration to the flat configuration in response to the seat portion being actuated from the soothing configuration to the sleep-safe configuration. When the seat portion automatically transitions from the arched configuration to the flat configuration, or when the seat portion is actuated from the soothing configuration to the sleep-safe configuration, the sleeping surface can automatically change to the sleep-safe configuration without the need to pick up, wake, or otherwise disturb the infant.

[0011] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided wherein the seat portion can be configured to transition from the flat configuration to the arched configuration in response to the seat portion being actuated from the sleep safety configuration to the soothing configuration. Conversely, by automatically transitioning from the arched configuration to the flat configuration, the convertible soothing seat requires less action from the parent to make the soothing seat safe for soothing.

[0012] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided wherein the seat portion may include a handle such that the seat portion can be manually pivoted between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration.

[0013] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided wherein in the soothing configuration the seat portion may be reclined and in the sleep safe configuration the seat portion may be substantially horizontal relative to the support frame.

[0014] In another aspect, a convertible comfort seat is provided wherein the seat portion may include a retractable seat belt.

[0015] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided, wherein the retractable safety belt can be configured to cover a portion of the seat portion in a covering position when the seat portion is in the soothing configuration, and to retract to a retracted position when the seat portion is in the sleep-safe configuration, in which the retractable safety belt does not cover the portion of the seat portion. It should be understood that by retracting the retractable safety belt, the safety belt will be removed from the user area of ​​the convertible soothing seat when in the sleep-safe configuration, ensuring that the user area is suitable for infant safe sleep.

[0016] In addition, the retractable safety belt can be configured to retract in response to the seat portion being actuated from the soothing configuration to the sleep-safe configuration. By retracting in response to the seat portion being actuated from the soothing configuration to the sleep-safe configuration, the seat portion can achieve sleep safety without disturbing an infant during use. Specifically, retractable safety belts can be dangerous to sleeping infants and are therefore considered unsuitable for prolonged or unattended sleep use. In addition, a convertible soothing seat can achieve sleep safety by significantly reducing the number of operating steps. By reducing the number of operating steps, a sleeping infant is less likely to be awakened, and a convertible soothing seat can achieve a safe sleeping state without waking up an infant. Additionally or alternatively, the retractable safety belt can be configured to actuate from the retracted position to the covering position in response to the seat portion being actuated from the sleep-safe configuration to the soothing configuration.

[0017] In another aspect, the convertible comfort seat is provided wherein the seat portion may further include at least one side wall.

[0018] In another aspect, the convertible comfort seat is provided wherein the seat portion may include a side wall extending around a perimeter of the seat portion.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the side walls may be movable between a lowered position in which they are either not higher than the seat portion or are only higher than the seat portion by a short distance, and a raised position in which they are higher than the seat portion by a longer distance than in the lowered position.

[0020] Further additionally or alternatively, the side wall may include a rim and a side panel, and wherein the side panel is received in or below the rim such that the rim can accommodate or cover a portion of the side panel.

[0021] Additionally, the rim may include a roller around which a portion of the side panel is wrapped.

[0022] Further in addition, the rollers may be rotatable to retract the side panels into the rim. By applying rotation to the rollers, the side panels may be retracted or released to change the height of the side walls.

[0023] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided wherein the seat portion can be configured to be manually actuated between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration.

[0024] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided wherein the seat portion can be locked in one or both of the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration such that when the seat portion is locked it is prevented from being manually actuated between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration.

[0025] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided, wherein the soothing seat may include an actuator coupled to the seat portion and configured to actuate the seat portion between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration. By actuating the seat portion between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration by means of the actuator, the convertible soothing seat may achieve a safe sleep state without manual user input, thereby avoiding the possibility of waking a sleeping infant due to manual operation.

[0026] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided wherein the actuator may include one or more of: an electric motor, a drive screw, a pneumatic actuator, or a hydraulic actuator.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the convertible soothing seat may further include a controller coupled to the actuator and configured to control actuation of the seat portion between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration in response to an input.

[0028] Further in addition, the input may include one or more of: a monitored condition of the seat portion from a camera, a motion sensor, a weight sensor, a microphone and / or a temperature sensor, a time condition or a user controlled input. In the case where the input monitors the state of the seat portion, the room or the infant based on the input, one or more sensors may provide an automatic transition from the soothing configuration to the sleep safe configuration. For example, by utilizing such input, in response to determining that the infant has fallen asleep, the convertible soothing seat can automatically convert to the sleep safe configuration.

[0029] In another aspect, a convertible soothing seat is provided, wherein the seat portion can extend outwardly from the support frame in the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration, and the convertible soothing seat can be further configured to be actuated to a storage and transport configuration, in which the seat portion is folded together with the support frame.

[0030] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided wherein the seat portion can be configured to be actuated between a soothing configuration and a sleep safe configuration without removing the infant from the seat portion during use.

[0031] In another aspect, the convertible soothing seat is provided, further comprising an electronic communication module, wherein the electronic communication module can be configured to communicate with a connected device so that the connected device can be used to control the operation of the convertible soothing seat.

[0032] In another aspect, the electronic communication module may be one of a wireless communication protocol module, a Bluetooth or WiFi module, or a wired communication or USB module, and the connected device is one of a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The following describes specific embodiments by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 A convertible soothing seat according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in a soothing configuration in which the seat portion is reclined.

[0035] Figure 2a A schematic diagram showing a seat portion in an arcuate configuration obtained by using a membrane over a structural support according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 2b shows a flat configuration obtained by using a membrane stretched over a structural support according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2a Schematic diagram of the seat part.

[0037] Figure 2c A schematic diagram of a locally reinforced tensile membrane according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 2d Shown in concave configuration Figure 2c Schematic diagram of a locally reinforced tensile membrane.

[0039] Figure 2e A schematic diagram of a seat portion in a flat configuration using a membrane supported by a flat support is shown.

[0040] Figure 2f shows a film in an arcuate configuration by using a film that is not supported by a flat support. Figure 2e Schematic diagram of the seat part.

[0041] Figure 3 A convertible soothing seat is shown rotating from a soothing configuration to a sleep-safe configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4A convertible soothing seat is shown in a sleep safe configuration in which the retractable safety belt has been retracted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 A convertible soothing seat is shown in a sleep safety configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 A convertible comfort seat is shown in a storage configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 A convertible comfort seat is shown in a storage configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 A convertible comfort seat is shown in a sleep safety configuration with stowed straps in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 9 A convertible soothing seat is shown in a soothing configuration with stowed straps in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig.10 A convertible soothing seat is shown in a soothing configuration with a cover strap engaged, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig.11 A convertible soothing seat is shown in a soothing configuration with all cover straps in a covering position in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] refer to Figure 1 , shows a convertible comfort seat 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The convertible comfort seat 100 includes a seat portion 102 and a support frame 106. The seat portion 102 is pivotally connected to the support frame 106. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in , the seat portion 102 is pivotally connected to the support frame 106 at the midpoint of the seat portion 102. The support frame 106 may include a pin or a rod, and the seat portion 102 may include a corresponding slot. The pin or rod may be inserted into the corresponding slot to form a pivot joint, and thus form a pivot connection. Alternatively, the support frame 106 may include a slot, and the seat portion 102 may include a pin or a rod to form a pivot connection. In an alternative embodiment, the seat portion 102 may be pivotally connected to the support frame 106 at a portion other than the midpoint of the seat portion 102. For example, the seat portion 102 may be connected to the support frame 106 at or near the end 101 of the seat portion 102.

[0051] As used herein, the term "seat portion" encompasses the portion of the convertible soothing seat 100 on which the infant will lie or sit. In the arched configuration, the seat portion may resemble a typical chair or seat in that the support for the infant is concave. In this way, the arched seat portion will provide the correct support for the infant's spine, but also allow the infant to sit upright. Since the soothing seat can be converted to a sleep-safe configuration, the seat portion may also be flat. In this way, the seat portion will be similar to a bed or mattress, providing a flat, horizontal sleeping surface. The seat portion may include removable or fixed cushions, one or more fabric layers, and one or more support elements (such as concave or flat supports or frames) to provide an arched configuration and a flat configuration.

[0052] The support frame 106 may include a base portion 104 configured to support the convertible comfort seat 100 on a floor, ground, or other flat surface. The support frame 106 may also include one or more arms 105 connecting the seat portion 102 to the base portion 104. The one or more arms 105 may be pivotally or slidably connected to the seat portion 102 and may be rigidly or movably connected to the base portion 104. In the case where the arms 105 are movably connected to the base portion 104, the base portion 104 may include a hinge 108 or a flexible joint to articulate the seat portion 102.

[0053] The seat portion 102 is configured to hold or securely support an infant during use. To hold the infant, the seat portion 102 includes a support surface 110 that may be concave relative to the infant during use. The concavity of the support surface 110 may be achieved by providing the support surface 110 to include a bottom support portion and a backrest portion that are pivotally coupled together. When the infant is to be held, the bottom support portion and the backrest portion may be pivoted or rotated relative to each other to form an arcuate configuration in which the support surface 110 is concave.

[0054] Alternatively and as Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the support surface 110 may include a concave support covered by a tensile membrane 112. The tensile membrane 112 may be formed from a fabric sheet and optionally include a pad 113 or a rigid fabric material. Figure 2a and 2b A schematic diagram is shown indicating the manner in which the tensioner 114 tensions or stretches the tensile membrane 112 . Figure 2aAn arcuate configuration is shown in which the membrane 112 is released from tension by the tensioner 114. In the arcuate configuration, the membrane 112 can conform to the shape of the concave support 116 due to the lack of tension in the membrane 112. The membrane 112 can conform to the shape of the concave support 116 under its own weight, in a non-tensioned or uncompressed state, or can be configured to conform to the shape of the concave support surface 116 due to the additional weight when an infant is placed on the membrane 112. Figure 2b A flat configuration is shown in which the membrane 112 is held taut by tension provided by a tensioner 114. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tensioner may be in the form of a roller configured to shorten the membrane 112 overlying the concave support 116, or the tensioner may include any other mechanism configured to shorten the membrane 112, including but not limited to an elastic mechanism or a slider connected to the membrane 112.

[0055] Figure 2c and 2d A cushioning member 113 is shown which may be incorporated into the tensile membrane 112 to create a composite structure, e.g. Figure 1 , 2a and 2b of a tensile membrane 112. The cushion member 113 includes a body 115 that can be divided into different sections. The first section 117 can be formed of a material having a first thickness and having a first stiffness. The second section 119 can have a second stiffness lower than the first stiffness. The second section 119 can have a lower stiffness by virtue of having a second thickness less than the first thickness, or in addition or alternatively, the second section 119 can have a lower stiffness by being made of a material having a lower material stiffness or Young's modulus than the first section. In addition or alternatively, the cushion member 113 may include a porous section 121. The porous section 121 may be disposed between the first section 117 and the second section 119. The porous section 121 may include a foam or honeycomb structured material, thereby providing a locally reduced stiffness. The porous section 121 may be further divided into a first porous section 123 and a second porous section 125. The first porous section 123 may include a first porous or cellular structured material having a first porosity or cell size, and the second porous section 125 may include a second porous or cellular structured material having a second porosity or cell size, wherein the first porosity or cell size is different from the second porosity or cell size. In this way, the first porous section 123 and the second porous section 125 may be adjusted to provide a locally hardened cushion member 113 that can conform to a concave seat shape during use. For example, as Figure 2c, the second porous section 125 has a smaller cell size than the first porous section 123. The second porous section 125 is located around the edge of the cushion member 113, while the first porous section 123 is located along the central axis of the cushion member 113. In this way, the first porous section 123 can provide a gradually curved concave shape, while the second porous section 125 can provide a rigid side support to hold the infant in use. Figure 2d Shows Figure 2c 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion member 113 and shows the concave shape of the cushion member 113 resulting from the local adjusted stiffness of the second section 119 and the porous section 121.

[0056] like Figure 2e and 2f As shown in , the support surface 110 may include a substantially flat support member covered by a membrane 112. The membrane 112 may be formed from a plurality of fabric panels and optionally include a cushioning member or a rigid fabric material to create a concave geometry. The membrane 112 may include a substantially flat support member covered by a membrane 112. Figure 2c and 2d The cushion member 113 is described. Figure 2e A flat configuration is shown in which the membrane 112 is supported from below by a support 116. When the substantially flat support 116 is in contact with the membrane 112, the membrane 112 conforms to the flat support 116, thereby providing a flat and level sleep safety surface. Figure 2f An arcuate configuration is shown in which the planar support 116 is retracted away from the membrane 112 , allowing the membrane to flex or sag under its own weight and / or the weight of an infant in the seat portion 102 .

[0057] refer to Figure 1 , the convertible soother seat 100 further includes a retractable safety belt 120. The retractable safety belt 120 includes one or more lap belts 122 extending laterally across the seat portion 102, and optionally, a crotch belt 124 extending from the center of the lap belt 122 and connected to the seat portion 102 at a connection point 126. Further optionally, the retractable safety belt 120 may include one or two shoulder belts (not shown) configured to extend over the shoulders of an infant in use and secure the infant in the convertible soother seat 100. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the retractable safety belt 120 is configured to secure the infant in the seat portion 102. In this way, the convertible soother seat 100 can move or bounce, or the infant can move or twist around, without the risk of the infant being ejected from the seat portion 102.

[0058] refer to Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the convertible comfort seat 100 can be moved in the direction of arrow A from Figure 1 and Figure 3 The pacification configuration shown in the actuation Figure 4 Once in the sleep safe configuration shown in Figure 4 The seat portion 102 can be actuated in the opposite direction from the sleep safety configuration to the soothing configuration. The seat portion 102 can include a handle 130 that a parent can use to move the seat portion 102 between the sleep safety configuration and the soothing configuration. Figure 3 The soothing configuration and Figure 4 The seat portion 102 can be manually pivoted between the sleep safety configurations of the comfort configuration and the sleep safety configuration. The seat portion can further include a button 132, which is configured to lock and unlock the seat portion in one or both of the comfort configuration and the sleep safety configuration. For example, when the seat portion is in one of the comfort configuration and the sleep safety configuration, a position lock (not shown) can keep the seat portion in the configuration. The activation of the button 132 can unlock the position lock and allow parents to manually actuate the seat portion 102 from one configuration in the comfort configuration and the sleep safety configuration to another configuration. Alternatively, the button 132 can include an electric switch, which is connected to a power supply, a controller and a motor, and is arranged to automatically actuate the seat portion 102 between the comfort configuration and the sleep safety configuration. Further alternatively, the button 132 can be located at other positions of the convertible comfort seat, and / or the button 132 can be replaced by an actuator (e.g., a joystick) of any suitable type.

[0059] Although the convertible soothing seat 100 is described as being actuated between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration, the convertible soothing seat 100 may be additionally locked into one or more intermediate positions, such as, but not limited to, an upright position of no more than 50 degrees relative to horizontal in one embodiment, between zero and 50 degrees relative to horizontal in some embodiments, or adjustable between 15 and 45 degrees from horizontal in 10 degree steps in other embodiments. Alternatively, the convertible soothing seat 100 may be infinitely adjustable to any intermediate position by means of a continuous sliding locking mechanism. For example, such additional intermediate positions may be more suitable for newborn infants than for older infants.

[0060] When the seat portion 102 is actuated (manually or automatically) to the sleep safety configuration from the soothing configuration, in response, the seat portion 102 can be transformed from the arched configuration to the flat configuration. In one example, wherein the seat portion includes a bottom support portion and a backrest portion pivotally connected together, the backrest portion can be rotated to a horizontal position from a first tilted position, and the bottom support portion can be rotated to a horizontal position from a second tilted position, wherein the first tilted position is more inclined than the second tilted position. In other words, the backrest portion and the bottom support portion can form a chair in a soothing position, and are automatically flattened when the seat portion 102 is actuated from the soothing configuration to the sleep safety configuration. In another example, the seat portion 102 can activate a tensioner to tension a film from the soothing configuration to the sleep safety configuration, thereby providing a flat sleep safety surface in the sleep safety configuration. The seat portion 102 can reversely actuate the bottom support portion, the backrest portion and / or the tensioner from the sleep safety configuration actuation to the soothing configuration, so that the seat portion 102 is returned to the arched configuration.

[0061] In this context, the term "horizontal" refers to an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to gravity by means of a support frame. For example, the support frame may include a base having a ground contacting portion. In use, the ground contacting portion defines a horizontal plane because the ground contacting portion typically lies flat on the ground. Figure 1 As shown, the ground contacting portion of the support frame 104 is the bottom of the support frame 104, which is the portion that will contact the ground. The support frame 104 supports the seat portion 102 so that the ground plane is perpendicular to the vertical axis V. The ground can also be referred to as Figure 5 102 is shown with the ground perpendicular to the vertical axis V. The skilled person will appreciate that a ground contacting portion placed on an inclined surface will result in the convertible comfort seat not being completely perpendicular to the direction of gravity, but the sleep safe configuration of the seat portion 102 will remain substantially horizontal relative to the support frame.

[0062] refer to Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retractable seat belt 120 can be configured to be in the covering position (such as Figure 1 ) and the retracted position (as shown Figure 4140 and 142). In the covering position, the retractable safety belt 120 covers a portion of the seat portion 102. The lap belt 122 can extend laterally from one side edge 140 to the opposite side edge 142 across the seat portion 102. The lap belt 122 can be adjustable to accommodate infants within a certain size range. The lap belt 122 can cover a portion of the seat portion 102 and provide space for the infant to occupy between the lap belt 122 and the seat portion 102. The lap belt 122 can be connected to the side edge 140 by a first connecting element 144. The lap belt 122 can also be connected to the opposite side edge 142 by a second connecting element 146. The first connecting element 144 and the second connecting element 146 can be movably connected to the side edge 140 and the opposite side edge 142, respectively. For example, the first connecting element 144 and the second connecting element 146 can be slidably inserted into a corresponding slot or track provided in each of the side edge 140 and the opposite side edge 142. In this way, the lap belt 122 and / or the safety belt 120 can slide from the covering position to the retracted position. The belts forming the safety belt 120 can be conventional belts, or they can be formed by a solid structure including fasteners, or by some other flexible or padded structures. In addition, any belt can be covered by a belt cover to provide a soft surface for the baby. Although the lap belt 122 is shown as a single belt, the lap belt 122 can be formed by two or more parts, and the two or more parts are configured to be connected together to form the lap belt 122. For example, the lap belt 122 can be formed by a first half and a second half, and the first half and the second half form can be retracted to their corresponding connection points 144, 146 respectively, and fixed together. The first half and the second half of the lap belt 122 can be additionally biased so that they move away from the baby in use, or retract in other ways when the first half and the second half are separated from each other.

[0063] The retractable safety belt 120 may further include a crotch belt 124 extending from the midpoint of the lap belt 122. When the retractable safety belt 120 is in the covering position, the crotch belt 124 may be connected to a connection point 126 on the seat portion 102. The crotch belt 124 may be configured to retract when the retractable safety belt 120 moves from the covering position to the retracted position. For example, the crotch belt 124 may be selectively connected to the connection point 126 by a releasable connector (seat belt type connector or plastic clip connector). Further, the crotch belt 124 may be configured to be stowed or retracted. For example, the crotch belt may be contained in a retractable reel, retracted by the mattress covering the seat portion, or the crotch belt may be kept in a belt or bag on the lap belt 122. Therefore, when the retractable safety belt 120 moves from the covering position to the retracted position, the crotch belt 124 may be removed from the sleep safety area of ​​the seat portion 102 when the seat portion 102 is in a lying configuration, thereby no longer obstructing the area. The seat portion 102 of the convertible soothing seat 100 may further include side walls 150. The side walls 150 may be formed of a solid or flexible material. The side walls 150 may be formed of a transparent, partially transparent, or opaque material. By providing a transparent material, the side walls will allow light to pass through and the infant may be observed through the side walls 150. The side walls 150 extend around the circumference of the seat portion 102, although the side walls 150 may only extend around a portion of the circumference of the seat portion 102. For example, the side walls 150 may extend around the entire circumference of the seat portion 102, or it may only include the side edge 140 and the opposing side edge 142. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 , when the seat portion 102 is in the soothing configuration, the sidewalls 150 at least partially surround the seat portion 102. The sidewalls 150 extend around the perimeter of the seat portion 102 and extend above or away from the seat portion 102, such that the sidewalls 150 provide a barrier to the seat portion 102. Alternatively, the sidewalls 150 may extend around the perimeter of the seat portion 102, but not extend away from the seat portion 102, such that the sidewalls do not provide a barrier to the seat portion 102 in the soothing configuration.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , when the seat portion 102 is moved from the soothing configuration (the soothing configuration is such as Figure 1 and 3 ) to a sleep-safe configuration (the sleep-safe configuration is as shown in Figure 4 and 5 ), the side wall 150 is configured to be moved from the lowered position (as shown in Figure 3 ) to a raised position (as shown in the pacification configuration in Figure 4102 ), in the lowered position, the side walls are either not higher than the seat portion or are only higher than the seat portion by a short distance, and in the raised position, the side walls 150 are higher than the seat portion 102 by a longer distance than when in the lowered position. In this way, the side walls 150 can be extended to provide a suitable barrier in the sleep safety configuration, and can be retracted or lowered to provide an entrance in the soothing configuration. The side walls 150 can include a rim 160 and a side panel 162. The side panel 162 can extend above the rim 160 to form a barrier around the perimeter of the seat portion 102. The side panel 162 can be formed of a flexible fabric so that it can be retracted into the rim 160 and the rim 160 can accommodate a portion of the side panel 162. In this way, when the side panels 162 are at least partially contained in the rim 160, the side wall 150 can be in a lowered position, and when the side panels 162 are deployed from the rim 160, the side wall 150 can be in a raised position. The rim 160 can include rollers around which the side panels 162 are wrapped. Rotating the rollers can achieve retraction and deployment of the side panels 162 to move the side wall 150 between the raised position and the lowered position. Alternatively, the side wall 150 can include two or more telescoping portions so that the side wall 150 can be folded into the lowered position and extended into the raised position.

[0065] The side wall 150 may include a rim and a side panel 162. The side panel 162 may extend over the rim 160 and the seat portion 102 and connect the rim and the seat portion to form the side wall. As the rim 162 and the seat portion 102 pivot from an inclined position to a flat position or vice versa via independent pivot points disposed along the support member 106, the vertical distance between the seat portion 102 and the side wall 162 may increase or decrease, thereby effectively raising or lowering the side panel to form or remove the side panel relative to the seat portion.

[0066] The side panels may be constructed of an elastic material so that when the edge and seat portion are moved apart, the fabric is pulled to form a structured wall. In addition, the material may be pleated or contain local rigid sections to facilitate folding and extension of the side panels in a uniform and neat manner.

[0067] Figure 5An embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the seat portion 102 of the convertible soothing seat 100 has been actuated to a sleep-safe configuration, the sidewalls 150 have been raised, and the retractable safety belt 120 has been retracted. In this configuration, the seat portion 102 is sleep-safe. This is because the seat portion 102 is flat, the sidewalls 150 provide a sufficiently high barrier, and the retractable safety belt 120 has been removed from a position covering the seat portion 102 (i.e., there are no obstructions in the sleeping area). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a sufficiently high barrier will allow the infant to be safe in the convertible soothing seat 100. More specifically, the sidewalls 150 can be raised to 7.5 inches (190.5 mm), at least 7.5 inches (190.5 mm), or greater than 7.5 inches (190.5 mm).

[0068] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in the soothing configuration, a soothing motion may be preferred, but in the sleep-safe configuration, it may be preferred that the convertible soothing seat 100 not move easily to promote sleep. Figure 5 In the sleep safety configuration shown, the convertible soothing seat 100 can therefore be configured to resist bouncing. One or more arms 105 are connected to the base 104 via a base 170. The base 170 can be rotatably coupled to the base 104 and can rotate about a vertical axis V during use. The rotation of the base 170 can be controlled in an elastic manner around a center point so that once the user has stopped applying a rotational or swinging motion to the convertible soothing seat 100, the rotation or swinging of the convertible soothing seat can still continue for a longer period of time. For example, a spring or other elastic element can be connected between the base 104 and the base 170 so that the convertible soothing seat will oscillate rotatably around the vertical axis V.

[0069] Additionally or alternatively, one or more arms 105 may be flexibly or resiliently mounted in the base 170 so that the convertible soothing seat 100 may bounce up and down or rock side to side when a bouncing or rocking motion is applied to the convertible soothing seat 100. Additionally or alternatively, one or more arms 105 may be formed of an elastic material (such as, but not limited to, steel) so that the one or more arms 105 may resiliently deflect under load to generate a bouncing or oscillating motion.

[0070] One or both of the bouncing motion and the rotating (or swinging) motion can be selectively controlled by means of a locking device. The locking device includes a notch or a pawl or other locking mechanism, which is configured to rigidly connect the arm 105 to the base 170 and / or to rigidly connect the base 170 to the base 104. The locking device can be located inside the base 170. The locking device can be automatically activated by actuating the seat portion 102 from the soothing configuration to the sleep-safe configuration. In this way, when the convertible soothing seat 100 is in the soothing configuration, bouncing and / or swinging motions can be easily applied to the convertible soothing seat 100, and when the convertible soothing seat is in the sleep-safe configuration, the convertible soothing seat resists any applied bouncing and / or swinging motions.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, the rotation / swing or bouncing motion can be continuously applied to the seat portion 102 by means of an electromechanical system. The electromechanical system can include an electric motor or actuator, a drive screw, a pneumatic actuator, or a hydraulic actuator. The electromechanical system can be configured to rotate the base 170 around the vertical axis V with an oscillating motion and / or to rotate one or more arms 105 in the base 170 with an oscillating and bouncing motion. As an alternative to a continuous rotation / swing or bouncing motion, the electromechanical system can be configured to apply a gradually decreasing motion (i.e., the motion amplitude decreases) until the motion stops.

[0072] The convertible comfort seat 100 can be manually actuated between the comfort configuration and the sleep safety configuration, or the convertible comfort seat can include an actuator in the form of a motor, a drive screw, a pneumatic actuator, or a hydraulic actuator, which is configured to transform the seat portion 102 between the comfort configuration and the sleep safety configuration. The actuator is coupled to a controller, which can control the actuator to move the seat portion 102 between the comfort configuration and the sleep safety configuration. The controller can communicate with one or more sensors to monitor the condition of the convertible comfort seat 100. For example, the one or more sensors can include a position sensor that provides an electrical signal to the controller to indicate whether the seat portion 102 is in the comfort configuration or the sleep safety configuration. The one or more sensors can additionally or alternatively include a sensor for monitoring the condition of the seat portion by means of a camera, a motion sensor, a weight sensor, a microphone, or a temperature sensor. In this way, the controller can be configured to actuate the convertible comfort seat from the comfort configuration to the sleep safety configuration based on the monitored condition of the infant in the seat portion. For example, the controller can be configured to automatically move the seat portion 102 into a sleep-safe configuration in response to determining that the infant has fallen asleep. The controller can be configured to actuate the seat portion 102 between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration in response to an input including a time condition or a user-controlled input. For example, the controller can be configured to actuate the seat portion 102 from the soothing configuration to the sleep-safe configuration after a predetermined time has passed. As another example, the controller can be configured to actuate the seat portion 102 from the soothing configuration to the sleep-safe configuration in response to a user pressing a button on the convertible soothing seat 100, or a user pressing a button on a remote control, or a user pressing a button in a graphical user interface of a remotely connected device (such as a smartphone or tablet computer).

[0073] refer to Figure 6 and 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the convertible comfort seat 100 can be further converted into a storage configuration. Figure 6 As shown in , the seat portion 102 can rotate relative to the base 104 from the comfort configuration to the storage configuration. However, the rotation of the seat portion 102 does not occur at the connection between the one or more arms 105 and the seat portion 102, but rather rotates around the direction B and the connection between the one or more arms 105 and the base 170 connected to the base 104. Figure 7 As shown in , the stored configuration provides a more compact layout of the seat portion 102 and the base 104 with the side walls 150 in the lowered position.

[0074] Figures 8 to 11 A retractable seat belt 120 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8The soothing seat 100 is shown with the seat portion 102 in a sleep-safe configuration. In the sleep-safe configuration, the retractable safety belt 120 is in a retracted position so that the retractable safety belt does not encroach upon the seat portion 102 where an infant may be sleeping. The retractable safety belt 120 includes a first lap belt 127 and a second lap belt 129. The first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 are disposed on opposite sides of the seat portion 102. In the biased position, the first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 extend vertically or upright away from the seat portion 102. The first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 may each include a biasing member 131, such as a spring or leaf spring, configured to bias each of the respective first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 to a vertical or upright position.

[0075] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 The soothing seat of claim 1, wherein the seat portion 102 is in the soothing configuration. It will be appreciated that the first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 are each biased into a vertical or upright position by means of their respective biasing members 131. When the seat portion 102 is in the soothing configuration, the first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 extend vertically above the seat portion 102 and above the side wall 150. Figure 8 In the sleep safety configuration shown in FIG, the first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 extend vertically above the seat portion 102, but do not extend vertically above the side wall 150. In this way, in the sleep safety configuration, the first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 are contained by the side wall 150. The first lap belt 127 and / or the second lap belt 129 may be retained in a position contained by the side wall 150 by one or more of integrated magnets, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, or other means for retaining the belts in the side wall 150.

[0076] Fig.10 Shows Figure 8 and 9The soothing seat 100 is still in the soothing configuration, but wherein the first lap belt 127 has been extended across the seat portion 102 into the covering position. The first lap belt 127 can be maintained in the covering position by connecting with the crotch belt 124. The crotch belt 124 can extend from the seat portion 102, wherein the crotch belt 124 has been retracted below the mattress (not shown) on the seat portion 102, so that the crotch belt 124 is removed from the sleep safety area of ​​the seat portion 102. Alternatively, the crotch belt 124 can be connected to the seat connection point 133 of the seat portion 102 by connection with the crotch belt connector 135 of the crotch belt 124. The first lap belt 127 can be connected to the crotch belt 124 by means of the first lap belt connector 137. The first lap belt connector 137 includes a male connector and a female connector, and the male connector and the female connector engage to provide a releasable connection between the first lap belt 127 and the crotch belt 124. The positioning of the male and female connectors of the first knee belt connector 137 can be assisted by one or more magnets in the male and / or female connectors. For example, the male connector can be configured to slide into a locking engagement with the female connector, wherein the magnets hold the male and female connectors in a locking engagement. It will be understood that the first knee belt 127 can include either a male or female connector, and the crotch belt will include the other of the corresponding female or male connectors to provide a releasable connection between the first knee belt 127 and the crotch belt 124.

[0077] Fig.11 A comfort seat 100 is shown in which a second lap belt 129 has been extended across the seat portion 102 into a covering position. The second lap belt 129 can be maintained in the covering position by being connected to the crotch belt 124. The second lap belt 129 can be connected to the crotch belt 124 by means of a second lap belt connector 139. The second lap belt connector 139 includes a male connector and a female connector that engage to provide a releasable connection between the second lap belt 129 and the crotch belt 124. The positioning of the male and female connectors of the second lap belt connector 139 can be assisted by means of one or more magnets in the male and / or female connectors. For example, the male connector can be configured to slide into a locking engagement with the female connector, wherein in the locking engagement, the magnets hold the male and female connectors in a locking engagement. It will be appreciated that the second lap strap 129 may include either a male or female connector, and the crotch strap 124 will include the other of a corresponding female or male connector to provide a releasable connection between the second lap strap 129 and the crotch strap 124 .

[0078] The first lap belt connector 137 and the second lap belt connector 139 together provide an entire lap belt 122 that is releasably connected to the crotch belt 124. The lap belt 122 can be automatically released when the crotch belt 124 is retracted to the retracted position, or in response to the seat portion 102 moving from the soothing configuration to the sleep safety configuration. The first lap belt connector 137 and the second lap belt connector 139 can each be mechanically coupled to the crotch belt, so that retraction of the crotch belt 124 causes the first lap belt connector 137 and the second lap belt connector 139 to disengage.

[0079] Alternatively, the crotch strap 124 and the first knee strap 127 may be permanently connected. The first knee strap 127 may be biased to a vertical position with the crotch strap 124 by a biasing member 131. The crotch strap may be connected to the seat portion 102 by means of a crotch strap connector 135 and a seat connection point 133 of the seat portion 102. The second knee strap 129 may be connected to the crotch strap 124 and the first knee strap 129 by a second knee strap connector 139.

[0080] The first lap belt connector 137, the second lap belt connector 139, and / or the crotch belt connector 135 may be automatically released from the connected state by means of a release button or a release cable located in the comfort seat 100. The release cable may extend along or through one or more of the first lap belt 127, the second lap belt 129, or the crotch belt 124 and be configured to separate one or more of the first lap belt connector 137, the second lap belt connector 139, and / or the crotch belt connector 135. Since the first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 are biased by the biasing member 131, the separation of the first lap belt connector 137, the second lap belt connector 139, and / or the crotch belt connector 135 allows the first lap belt 127 and the second lap belt 129 to move to a retracted position and away from the sleep safety area of ​​the seat portion 102.

[0081] The control of the position, bounce, swing or sway of the convertible comfort seat described herein can be implemented by a computer program. The computer program may include computer executable code or instructions, which are arranged to instruct the computer to control the convertible comfort seat described above. The computer program and / or code or instructions for executing such methods can be provided to a device, such as a computer, a smart phone, or a tablet computer on a computer readable medium or a computer program product. The computer readable medium can be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, or a propagation medium for data transmission, such as for downloading code via the Internet. Alternatively, the computer readable medium can take the form of a physical computer readable medium, such as a semiconductor or solid-state memory, a tape, a removable computer disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid disk and an optical disk, such as a CD-ROM, CD-R / W or DVD. The computer program can be controlled by one or more user inputs (including but not limited to a keyboard, an electromechanical switch, a mouse, a trackball, a touch screen, a gesture control, or a voice command through a microphone).

[0082] In this application, the words "infant" and "baby" can be used interchangeably where appropriate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the words "infant" and "baby" refer to young human children and can be used interchangeably without causing confusion. In this article, when the term "concave" is used, those skilled in the art will appreciate that concave is the opposite of convex. The term "concave" is intended to refer to any inwardly curved or angled surface such that the interior of the surface includes a concave geometry. This can include curves and / or reflection angles.

Claims

1. A convertible comfort seat for an infant, characterized in that: The convertible comfort seat comprises, Support frame, A seat portion pivotally connected to the support frame, wherein the seat portion is configured to actuate between a soothing configuration and a sleep-safe configuration, and wherein the seat portion includes a retractable safety belt, the retractable safety belt being configured to cover a portion of the seat portion in a covering position when the seat portion is in the soothing configuration, and to retract to a retracted position when the seat portion is in the sleep-safe configuration, in which the retractable safety belt does not cover the portion of the seat portion, and wherein the retractable safety belt is configured to retract in response to the seat portion being actuated from the soothing configuration to the sleep-safe configuration.

2. The convertible comfort seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat portion includes a bottom support portion and a back portion pivotally coupled to one another such that the back portion is rotatable relative to the bottom support portion between a flat configuration and an arcuate configuration.

3. The convertible comfort seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat portion includes a support and a membrane stretched over the support.

4. The convertible comfort seat according to claim 3, characterized in that: The convertible comfort seat further includes a tensioner configured to tension the membrane into a flat configuration in which the membrane is held flat by tension and the tensioner configured to release the membrane into an arched configuration in which the membrane can conform to the shape of the support; Or it is characterized in that the convertible comfort seat further includes a support actuating element, which is configured to actuate the support between a first position and a second position, in which the membrane is kept flat by fitting against the support, and the second position is farther from the membrane than in the first position, and in which the membrane can be bent into a concave shape.

5. The convertible comfort seat according to claim 2 or claim 4, characterized in that: The seat portion is configured to transition from the arcuate configuration to the flat configuration in response to the seat portion being actuated from the soothing configuration to the sleep-safe configuration.

6. The convertible comfort seat according to any one of claims 2, 4 or 5, characterized in that: The seat portion is configured to transition from the flat configuration to the arcuate configuration in response to the seat portion being actuated from the sleep-safe configuration to the soothing configuration.

7. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The seat portion includes a handle such that the seat portion can be manually pivoted between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration.

8. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that In the soothing configuration, the seat portion is inclined, and in the sleep-safe configuration, the seat portion is substantially horizontal relative to the support frame.

9. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The retractable safety belt is configured to actuate from the retracted position to the covering position in response to the seat portion being actuated from the sleep safety configuration to the soothing configuration.

10. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The seat portion further includes at least one side wall.

11. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The seat portion includes a side wall extending around a perimeter of the seat portion.

12. The convertible comfort seat according to claim 13 or claim 14, characterized in that: The side walls are movable between a lowered position, in which the side walls are either not higher than the seat portion or are higher than the seat portion by only a short distance, and a raised position, in which the side walls are higher than the seat portion by a longer distance than in the lowered position.

13. The convertible comfort seat according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that: The side wall comprises a rim and a side panel, and wherein the side panel is received in or below the rim such that the rim can accommodate or cover a portion of the side panel.

14. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The seat portion is configured to be manually actuated between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration.

15. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The seat portion is lockable in one or both of the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration such that when the seat portion is locked it is prevented from being manually actuated between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration.

16. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The soothing seat includes an actuator coupled to the seat portion and configured to actuate the seat portion between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration.

17. The convertible comfort seat according to claim 19, characterized in that: The actuator includes one or more of: an electric motor, a drive screw, a pneumatic actuator, or a hydraulic actuator.

18. The convertible comfort seat according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that: The convertible soothing seat further includes a controller coupled to the actuator and configured to control actuation of the seat portion between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration in response to an input.

19. The convertible comfort seat according to claim 21, characterized in that: The input includes one or more of the following: monitoring conditions of the seat part from a camera, a motion sensor, a weight sensor, a microphone and / or a temperature sensor, a time condition or a user-controlled input.

20. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that In the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration, the seat portion extends outwardly from the support frame, and the convertible soothing seat is further configured to be actuated to a storage and transport configuration in which the seat portion is folded together with the support frame.

21. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The seat portion is configured to actuate between the soothing configuration and the sleep-safe configuration without removing the infant from the seat portion when in use.

22. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The convertible soothing seat further comprises an electronic communication module, wherein the electronic communication module is configured to communicate with a connected device such that the connected device can be used to control the operation of the convertible soothing seat.

23. The convertible comfort seat according to claim 25, characterized in that: The electronic communication module is one of a wireless communication protocol module, a bluetooth module, a wifi module, a wired communication protocol module or a usb module, and the connected device is one of a smart phone, a tablet computer or a personal computer.

24. A convertible comfort seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The seat portion is capable of locking at one or more intermediate angles between a first angle in which the seat portion is in the soothing configuration and a second angle in which the seat portion is in the sleep-safe configuration, optionally wherein the first angle is no greater than 50 degrees relative to a horizontal plane, further optionally wherein the one or more intermediate angles include angles spaced 10 degrees apart between the sleep-safe configuration and the soothing configuration, and further optionally wherein the sleep-safe configuration is at 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

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