US20110127810A1

US20110127810A1 - Collapsible infant bouncer

Info

Publication number: US20110127810A1
Application number: US12/628,490
Authority: US
Inventors: Wicky Lee; Michael A. Parness; Paul C. Gilles
Original assignee: Infantino LLC
Current assignee: Infantino LLC
Priority date: 2009-12-01
Filing date: 2009-12-01
Publication date: 2011-06-02

Abstract

An infant bouncer comprising a lower frame which is placeable upon an underlying surface, and an upper frame which is pivotally connected to the lower frame and selectively moveable relative thereto between a deployed or extended position, and a collapsed or storage position. An adjustment mechanism may be integrated into the frame and operative to allow for the selective adjustment of the bounce or vibration of the upper frame relative to the lower frame when the upper frame is in its deployed position. An infant seat is connected to the upper frame. If outfitted with the adjustment mechanism, the infant bouncer allows for the adjustment of the level of bounce or vibration which the frame may undergo, such adjustment being based on the size and weight of the infant placed into the bouncer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to juvenile products and, more particularly, to an infant bouncer configured to entertain and/or soothe an infant held therein by providing an entertaining bouncing motion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the infant bouncer may include a biasing mechanism configured to allow for the selective adjustment or regulation of the amount of bounce that can be experienced by the infant therein.
2. Description of the Related Art
Infant bouncers are well known by parents and persons involved in child care as being effective devices for the entertainment of infants. Various different types of infant bouncers exist, with the bouncers in general including a seat for receiving an infant and a frame which includes an integrated bouncing mechanism, such as a spring. The seat is connected to the frame which is configured to vibrate or bounce in response to movement of the infant, or in response to a light push by a parent or other child caretaker, thereby generating a reciprocating motion that is enjoyable and even soothing to the infant. In certain prior art bouncers, the bounce or vibration is initiated by a vibration device which is operatively coupled to the frame.
However, one deficiency of existing bouncers is that they are not well suited structurally to being quickly and easily moved between a collapsed state for storage or transport, and a deployed state for use with the infant. Another deficiency with existing infant bouncers is that the degree or level of bounce which the frame may undergo is not selectively adjustable based on the size and weight of the infant within the seat of the bouncer. In this regard, an infant of greater size and weight may cause an excessive level of bounce or vibration within the frame arising from even subtle movements, whereas an infant of comparatively reduced size and weight may not be able to impart virtually any bounce or vibration within the frame even with more drastic movements. Along these lines, though the bouncer may be suitable for a child of a certain size and weight, the suitability may be decreased as the child grows in size and weight, despite the child's still being of a size and weight where use of the bouncer as an entertainment tool is appropriate.
Based on the foregoing, there exists a need in the prior art for an infant bouncer which is uniquely configured to be movable between deployed and collapsed states with a minimal amount of time and effort, and is optionally outfitted with a mechanism adapted to allow the level of bounce or vibration within the frame of the bouncer to be selectively adjustable based on the size and weight of the infant within the seat thereof. The present invention addresses these particular needs, as will be discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an infant bouncer comprising a lower frame which is placeable upon an underlying surface, and an upper frame which is pivotally connected to the lower frame and selectively moveable relative thereto between a deployed or extended position, and a collapsed or storage position. An adjustment mechanism may be integrated into the frame and operative to allow for the selective adjustment of the bounce or vibration of the upper frame relative to the lower frame when the upper frame is in its deployed position. An infant seat is connected to the upper frame. If outfitted with the adjustment mechanism, the infant bouncer allows for the adjustment of the level of bounce or vibration which the frame may undergo, such adjustment being based on the size and weight of the infant placed into the bouncer.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an infant bouncer constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the bouncer being depicted in a deployed or extended state;

FIG. 2 is a partial top perspective view of the frame of the bouncer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the bouncer shown in FIG. 1 as articulated to a collapsed or storage state;

FIG. 4 is a partial side-elevational view of the bouncer shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial side-elevational view of the bouncer of the first embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but depicting the seat support member of the frame in an operative position;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an infant bouncer constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the bouncer being depicted in a deployed or extended state;

FIG. 7 is a side-elevational view of the bouncer shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side-elevational view of the bouncer shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as articulated to a collapsed or storage state;

FIG. 9 is a front-elevational view of the bouncer shown in FIG. 8 in its collapsed state, the seat cover thereof only being partially shown for purposes of clarity; and

FIG. 10 is a side-elevational view of the bouncer of the second embodiment in its collapsed state as shown in FIG. 10, as grasped by a user.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating various embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-5 depict a collapsible infant bouncer 110 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As will be discussed in more detail below, the bouncer 110 may optionally include a bounce adjustment mechanism which may be selectively adjusted to alter or vary the magnitude of bounce or vibration within the frame of the bouncer which may be achieved by an infant or child disposed therein. As a result, the bounce adjustment mechanism may be adjusted to accommodate children of varying weight. As will also be discussed in more detail below, the infant bouncer 110 is configured to be collapsible for storing the infant bouncer 110 during periods of non-use of for transport.
The infant bouncer 110 comprises a frame 112 which is selectively placeable on an underlying support surface. The frame 112 includes a generally U-shaped lower section 116. Attached to each of the opposed end portions of the lower section 116 is a front cross bar 117 which includes an identically configured pair of end connector portions 118. As best seen in FIG. 2, each of the end connector portions 118 is outfitted with a non-slip pad 119 which is preferably fabricated from rubber and, when viewed from the perspective shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, defined the bottom surface thereof.
In addition to the lower section 116, the frame 112 includes a generally U-shaped upper section 120. The upper section 120 includes an identically configured pair of end connectors 122 attached to respective ones of the opposed end portions thereof. In addition, pivotally connected to the upper section 120 is a seat support member 121, the use of which will be discussed in more detail below. In the frame 112, the end connectors 122 of the upper section 120 are pivotally connected to respective ones of the end connector portions 118 of the front cross bar 117 attached to the lower section 116. As a result, the upper section 120 is selectively pivotally moveable relative to the lower section 116 between an extended or deployed position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a stowed or collapsed position (shown in FIGS. 3-5) which is well suited for the storage or transportation of the of the bouncer 110.
In the bouncer 110, the movement of the frame 112 thereof between the deployed and collapsed positions is facilitated by an actuation mechanism 124 of the bouncer 110 which is operatively connected to both the lower and upper sections 116, 120 of the frame 112. As will be described in more detail below, it is contemplated that the actuation mechanism 124 may optionally be configured such that when the lower section 116 of the frame 112 is positioned upon a generally planar underlying support surface, the angle of inclination of the upper section 120 relative to the lower section 116 may be variable, and selectively adjustable through the use of the actuation mechanism 124. As will also be described in more detail below, the actuation mechanism 124 may further optionally be configured to allow for the selective adjustment in the amount of “bounce” which the upper section 120 may undergo relative the lower section 116.
In the bouncer 110, the actuation mechanism 124 comprises an elongate cross member 126, the opposed ends of which are defined by respective ones of an identically configured pair of tubular sleeve portions 128. The sleeve portions 128 of the cross member 126 are slidably advanced over respective ones of the spaced, generally parallel pair of prong portions defined by the lower section 116, in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Extending within the cross member 126 is an identically configured pair of retention pins (not shown), each of which is operatively coupled to an actuation handle 132 of the cross member 126 which is located in the approximate center thereof. In the bouncer 110, the actuation handle 132 is selectively moveable between a locking position (shown in FIGS. 1-3) and a release position. The retention pins are cooperatively engaged to the actuation handle 132 in a manner wherein the retention pins protrude into the interiors of respective ones of the sleeve portions 128 when the actuation handle 132 is in its locking position. Conversely, the movement of the actuation handle 132 to its release position effectively draws the retention pins inwardly in a manner wherein they are removed from within the interiors of respective ones of the sleeve portions 128.
As is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the prong portions of the lower section 116 of the frame 112 includes a spaced pair of apertures 134 disposed therein. The apertures 134 within one prong portion are further arranged so as to be disposed in opposed relation to respective ones of the apertures 134 included in the other prong portion. Additionally, the pair of apertures 134 within each prong portion are interconnected by an elongate groove 135 which is formed in such prong portion and extends in spaced, generally parallel relation the axis defined thereby. The apertures 134 of each opposed pair are further sized and configured to accommodate the distal end portion of respective ones of the retention pins when such retention pins are aligned therewith and the actuation handle 132 disposed in the locking position to which it is normally biased.
As indicated above, in the bouncer 110, the frame 112 may be selectively articulated between the deployed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the stowed or collapsed position shown in FIGS. 3-5. The movement of the frame 112 from its deployed position to its collapsed position is facilitated by compressing the actuation handle 132 of the cross member 126 to remove the retention pins from within a corresponding opposed pair of the apertures 134, and thereafter sliding the cross member 126 along the lower frame 116 toward the front cross bar 117. As will be recognized, the movement of the frame 112 from its collapsed position to its deployed position is facilitated by moving the cross member 126 in the opposite direction, i.e., away from the front cross bar 117.
More particularly, the receipt of the retention pins (which are coaxially aligned with each other) into respective ones of the apertures 134 of a corresponding opposed pair thereof effectively maintains the cross member 126 of the actuation mechanism 124 in a prescribed position between the prong portions of the lower section 116. In this regard, as apparent from FIG. 3, the receipt of the retention pins into the apertures 134 of the opposed pair disposed closest to the front cross bar 117 effectively places the frame 112 of the bouncer 110 into its stowed or collapsed position. From such collapsed position, the slidable movement of the cross member 126 along the prong portions of the lower section 116 away from the front cross bar 117 to a location whereat the retention pins are received into respective ones of the apertures 134 of the opposed pair thereof disposed furthest from the front cross bar 117 effectively places the frame 112 into its operative, deployed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As previously explained, the compression of the actuation handle 132 (i.e., the movement of the actuation handle 132 to its release position) effectively removes the retention pins from within the apertures 134 of a corresponding opposed pair thereof, thus allowing the cross member 126 to be slidably advanced along the prong portions of the lower section 116 to an alternate location, i.e., between the other opposed pair of the apertures 134. As will be recognized, when the cross member 126 is slidably moved from between one opposed pair of the apertures 134 to a location between the other opposed pair of the apertures 134 (i.e., the frame 112 is moved between the collapsed and deployed positions), the return of the actuation handle 132 to its locking position from its release position will facilitate the advancement of the retention pins into respective ones of those apertures 134 of the opposed pair between which the cross member 126 is positioned, thus once again effectively locking the cross member 126 to the lower section 116 of the frame 112.
In the bouncer 110, the movement of the cross member 126, and in particular the retention pins, between the apertures 134 of each opposed pair thereof is assisted by the inclusion of the grooves 135 within respective ones of the prong portions of the lower section 116 of the frame 112. In this regard, even if the compressive pressure applied to the actuation handle 132 is relaxed to a point wherein the retention pins protrude even slightly into respective ones of the sleeves portions 128, those portions of the retention pins slightly protruding into the sleeve portions 128 are accommodated by the grooves 135. Further, as is best seen in FIG. 2, the movement of the frame 112 of the bouncer 110 to its deployed position by virtue of the receipt of the retention pins of the actuation mechanism 124 into respective ones of the apertures 134 of the opposed pair disposed furthest from the front cross member 117 is assisted by a pair of stopper members 137 which are attached to the approximate mid-sections of respective ones of the prong portions of the lower section 116. More particularly, the stopper members 137 are positioned such that the abutment of respective ones of the sleeve portions 128 of the actuation mechanism 124 thereagainst will facilitate the general coaxial alignment of the retention pins of the actuation mechanism 124 with respective ones of the apertures 134 of the opposed pair disposed furthest from the front cross bar 117. The stopper members 137, which are each preferably fabricated from rubber, also work in concert with the pads 119 of the end connector portions 118 to facilitate the stable support of the bouncer 110 upon an underlying support surface. Such stable support is further assisted by a pair of support pads 139 which are also each preferably fabricated from rubber and attached to that portion of the lower section 116 interconnecting the prong portions thereof.
In the bouncer 110, the cross member 126 of the actuation mechanism 124 is further preferably outfitted with a locking switch 140 which is normally biased to a locked position, and selectively moveable to an unlocked position. When the locking switch 140 is in its locked position, the actuation handle 132 of the actuation mechanism 124 is incapable of being compressed (i.e., moved from its locking position to it release position) as is needed to effectively remove the retention pins from with the apertures 134 of a corresponding opposed pair thereof. However, the movement of the locking switch 142 to its unlocked position allows for the compression of the actuation handle 132, thus in turn allowing for the movement of the cross member 126 along the prong portions of the lower section 116 as is needed to facilitate the movement of the frame 112 between its collapsed and deployed positions. As seen in FIGS. 1-3, the locking switch 140 is located on a side of the cross member 126 opposite the side along which the actuation handle 132 is positioned. Due to this arrangement, it is contemplated that the locking switch 140 may be manipulated by the thumb on one hand of a user while the actuation handle 132 is simultaneously manipulated by the remaining four fingers on the same hand of the user.
Though not shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, it is contemplated that each of the prong portions of the lower section 116 of the frame 112 may include one or more additional opposed pairs of the apertures 134 which are located between the two opposed pairs shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art, the receipt of the retention pins into respective ones of the apertures 134 of any such additional pair thereof would effectively maintain the cross member 126 of the actuation mechanism 124 in a prescribed position between the prong portions as would result in the bouncer 110 assuming a position between the collapsed position shown in FIGS. 3-5 and the fully deployed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this regard, if such extra pairs of opposed apertures 134 are included in the prong portions of the lower section 116, the selective receipt of the retention pins into any one of these additional opposed pairs of the apertures 134 may be used to facilitate the placement of the infant bouncer 110 into one or more orientations which provide an increased level of recline in comparison to that shown in FIG. 1. Stated another way, the angle of inclination of the upper section 120 of the frame 112 relative to the lower section 116 may be selectively adjusted or varied through the use of the actuation mechanism 124 if the additional aperture pairs 134 are included in the prong portions of the lower section 116, such angle of inclination being governed by the location of the cross member 126 of the actuation mechanism 124 relative to the lower section 116, and more particularly the location of that opposed pair of apertures 134 into which the retention pins of the actuation mechanism 124 are slidably advanced.
In addition to the cross member 126, the actuation mechanism 124 includes an identically configured pair of shock absorbers 136. Each of the shock absorbers 136 comprises a tubular, cylindrically configured sleeve 138, one end of which is pivotally connected to a respective one of the spaced, generally parallel pair of prong portions defined by the upper section 120 of the frame 112. In addition to the sleeve 138, each shock absorber 136 comprises a biasing member (e.g., a coil spring) which is disposed within the interior of the sleeve 138. One end of the biasing member is abutted against a piston which is also disposed within the interior of the sleeve 138 and axially moveable therein. Attached to the piston is a piston rod 144 which protrudes from the sleeve 138, and includes a distal end portion which is pivotally connected to a respective one of the sleeve portions 128 of the cross member 126 in the manner best shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the shock absorbers 138 are pivotally interposed between the upper section 120 of the frame 112 and the cross member 126.
In the bouncer 110, the shock absorbers 136 of the actuation mechanism 124 allow the upper section 120 to vibrate or “bounce” relative to the lower section 116. It is contemplated that each of the shock absorbers 136 may be outfitted with structures that allow them to be selectively tightened or loosened as needed to selectively adjust or regulate the amount of bounce that the upper section 120 of the frame 112 may undergo relative to the lower section 116 thereof when the bouncer 110 is in its operative, deployed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As seen in FIGS. 3-5, when the frame 112 is in its collapsed position, the shock absorbers 136 of the adjustment mechanism 124 extend between and in generally parallel relation to the lower and upper frame sections 116, 120.
In addition to the frame 112, the bouncer 110 comprises an infant seat 146 which is attached to the upper section 120 and to the seat support member 121 pivotally connected to the upper section 120. The infant seat 146 is sized and configured to provide a suitable support surface for an infant. In the bouncer 110, the seat support member 121 is itself moveable between an extended position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 3-5). When the frame 112 is moved to its deployed position, the seat support member 121 is pivoted to its extended position. When the seat support member 121 is in its extended position, the same is supported on a pair of generally cylindrical support bosses 150 attached to and protruding outwardly from respective ones of the prong portions of the upper section 120 of the frame 112. Additionally, the seat support member 121, when abutted against the support bosses 150, is normally maintained in such extended position by a pair of spring biased retention pins 152 which are moveably attached to and also protrude outwardly from respective ones of the prong portions of the upper section 120 in close proximity to respective ones of the support bosses 150.
When the frame 112 is moved to its collapsed position, the seat support member 121 may be pivoted from its extended position to its retracted position. When the seat support member 121 is pivoted to its retracted position, the same extends in substantially side-by-side relation to the upper section 120 of the frame 112 in the manner shown in FIG. 3. As will be recognized, the movement of the seat support member 121 from its extended position to its retracted position necessitates that the same be removed from its abutting contact with the support bosses 150 and advanced over the retention pins 152. In this regard, the application of a moderate amount of force to the seat support member 121 is sufficient to overcome the outward spring biasing force of the retention pins 152, thus causing the seat support member 121 to force the retention pin 152 inwardly into the interiors of the prong portions of the upper section 120 as allows the seat support member 121 to be passed over the retention pins 152 and into its retracted position. As is apparent from FIG. 3, the pivoting of the seat support member 121 in this manner will result in the folding of the seat 146. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat support member 121 may optionally include a vibration/sound generating device 123 coupled thereto. When in the vibration mode and activated, the device 123 is operative to gently vibrate the upper section 120 and the seat support member 121, and hence the infant seat 146 attached thereto.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, there is shown an infant bouncer 210 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. As will be discussed in more detail below, the infant bouncer 210 is also configured to be collapsible for storing the infant bouncer 210 during periods of nonuse. The infant bouncer 210 also includes a bounce adjustment mechanism as described below.
The infant bouncer 210 comprises a frame 212 which includes a generally U-shaped lower section 216. Attached to each of the opposed end portions of the lower section 216 is an identically configured pair of end connectors 213 of the frame 212. Each of the end connectors 213 includes a connector portion 214 which is attached to a respective one of the opposed end portions of the lower section 216. In addition to the connector portion 214, each of the end connectors 213 includes a front support portion 218. The front support portions 218 of the end connectors 213 may be each be provided with non-skid pads on those surfaces thereof which normally contact an underlying support surface. In the bouncer 210, the connector portions 214 are pivotally connected to respective ones of the front support portions 218 for reasons which will be described in more detail below. In addition to the connector portions 214 of the end connectors 213, also attached to the lower section 216 of the frame 212 is an identically configured pair of rear supports 222. As seen in FIG. 6, the rear supports 222 are attached to those portions of the lower section 216 which extend in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other.
In addition to the lower section 216, the frame 212 of the bouncer 210 comprises an upper section 220 Like the lower section 216, the upper section 220 of the frame 212 preferably has a generally U-shaped configuration. In the bouncer 210, a pair of adjustment mechanisms 223 are preferably interposed between and attached to respective ones of the opposed end portions of the upper section 220, and corresponding ones of the front support portions 218 of the end connectors 220. Each adjustment mechanism 223 preferably comprises a biasing member 224 (e.g., an elastomeric or urethane spring) and an adjustment member 226 which is cooperatively engaged to the biasing member 224 and operative to selectively increase or decrease the preload applied thereto. The adjustment mechanisms 223, which each comprise part of the frame 212, provide functionality which will be discussed in more detail below.
In the bouncer 210, the frame 212 may be selectively articulated between a deployed position (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) and a stowed or collapsed position (shown in FIGS. 8-10). The movement of the frame 212 between its deployed and collapsed positions is attributable to the configuration of the end connectors 213, and in particular the pivotal connection of the connector portions 214 thereof to respective ones of front support portions 218. When the frame 212 is in its deployed position, the upper section 220 extends at an angle of approximately 60° relative to the lower section 216. When the frame 212 is in its collapsed position, the lower and upper sections 216, 220 extend in generally side-by-side relation to each other. To facilitate the movement of the frame 212 from its deployed position to its collapsed position, or from its collapsed position to its deployed position, either the lower frame 216 or the upper frame 220 is rotated approximately 300° relative to the other. It is contemplated that the end connectors 213 may each be provided with a suitable locking mechanism which prevents any undesired rotation of the lower and upper sections 216, 220 relative to each other when the frame 212 is in its deployed position.
As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the frame 212 is in its collapsed position, the end portion of the upper section 220 is elevated above the end portion of the lower section 216. This elevational difference allows a grip pad 244 attached to the end portion of the upper section 220 to be easily grasped by a user as shown in FIG. 10. In the frame 212, the rear supports 222 are each configured to releasably receive and retain respective ones of those portions of the upper section 220 which extend in spaced, generally parallel relation to each other. Such receipt occurs upon the movement of the frame 212 to its collapsed position, with the cooperative engagement of the rear supports 222 to the upper section 220 assisting in maintaining the frame 212 in its collapsed state.
In addition to the frame 212, the bouncer 210 comprises an infant seat 228 which is pivotally connected to the frame 212, and in particular to the upper section 220 thereof. The seat 228 comprises a seat frame 235 which itself includes a lower frame section 236 and an upper frame section 238. The lower and upper frame sections 236, 238 are pivotally connected to each other and to the upper section 220 of the frame 212 at a pair of pivot points 225. Like the frame 212, the seat frame 235 is moveable between deployed and collapsed positions. In this regard, the seat frame 235 is depicted in the deployed position in FIGS. 6 and 7, and in the collapsed position in FIGS. 8-10. As will be recognized, the seat frame 235 is capable of being articulated to its deployed position when the frame 212 is in its deployed position. Similarly, the seat frame 235 is moved to its collapsed position concurrently with the movement of the frame 212 to its collapsed position. When the seat frame 235 is in its collapsed position, the lower and upper frame sections 236, 238 thereof extend in generally side-by-side relation to each other as shown in FIG. 8. Conversely, when the seat frame 235 is moved to the deployed position, the lower and upper frame sections 236, 238 thereof are separated from each other by an angle of approximately 120°. Attached to the lower frame section 236 is a grip pad 246 which may be used to assist in the movement of the seat frame 235 between its deployed and collapsed positions.
In addition to the seat frame 235, the seat 228 includes a cover 240 which is cooperatively engaged to the seat frame 235. The cover 240 is preferably made from a pliable fabric material, and is configured to effectively define a seat portion 230 and a back portion 232 when the seat frame 235 is articulated to its deployed position. The cover 240 may also include a shroud portion 242 which may be extended outwardly relative to the back portion 232 in the manner shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 when the seat frame 235 is moved to its deployed position. The cover 240 is also preferably provided with a retention strap arrangement 248. It is contemplated that the cover 240 may be formed of a UV protective material.
In the bouncer 210, the adjustment mechanisms 223 can each be selectively tightened or loosened via the manipulation of the adjustment members 226 thereof as needed to selectively adjust or regulate the amount of bounce or flexion the upper section 220 of the frame 212 may undergo relative to the lower section 216 thereof when the bouncer 210 is in its operative, deployed position as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In addition to the bouncing movement that the upper section 220 may undergo relative to the lower section 216, the seat frame 235, in its deployed position, is also capable of undergoing a slight rocking or pivoting motion relative to the upper section 220 by virtue of its pivotal connection thereto at the pivot points 225. Alternatively, the seat 228 may be locked in place relative to the upper section 220 of the frame 212 when the seat frame 235 is in its deployed position.
The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Claims

1. An infant bouncer, comprising:

a frame having an actuation mechanism integrated therein, the actuation mechanism being configured to facilitate the movement of the frame between collapsed and deployed positions, and to allow for the bouncing movement at least one portion of the frame relative to another portion thereof; and

an infant seat cooperatively engaged to the frame.

2. The bouncer of claim 1 wherein:

the frame comprises a lower section and an upper section which are pivotally movable relative to each other between the deployed and collapsed positions; and

the infant seat is connected to the upper section of the frame.

3. The bouncer of claim 2 wherein the actuation mechanism is further configured to allow for a selective adjustment in an angle of inclination of the upper section relative to the lower section.

4. The bouncer of claim 2 wherein the upper section of the frame includes a vibration device integrated therein.

5. The bouncer of claim 2 wherein:

the lower section of the frame includes a pair of prong portions which extend in spaced relation to each other; and

the actuation mechanism is slidably mounted to the prong portions of the lower section and operatively coupled to the upper section such that the movement of the actuation mechanism along the prong portions in a first direction facilitates the movement of the frame to the deployed position, and the movement of the actuation mechanism along the prong portions in a second direction opposite the first direction facilitates the movement of the frame to the collapsed position.

6. The bouncer of claim 5 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises:

a cross member slidably attached to the prong portions of the lower section;

an actuation handle mounted to the cross member and selectively movable between locking and release positions relative thereto; and

a pair of retention pins movably mounted to cross member and operatively coupled to the actuation handle such that the movement of the actuation handle from the locking position to the release position facilitates the concurrent inward movement of the retention pins relative to the prong portions of the lower section of the frame.

7. The bouncer of claim 6 wherein:

each of the prong portions includes at least two apertures disposed therein in spaced relation to each other, with the apertures of one of the prong portions being arranged so as to be disposed in opposed relation to respective ones of the apertures included in the other one of the prong portions; and

the retentions pins are aligned with and partially advanced into respective ones of the apertures of a corresponding opposed pair thereof when the actuation handle is in the locking position.

8. The bouncer of claim 7 wherein the apertures within each prong portion are interconnected by an elongate groove extending therebetween.

9. The bouncer of claim 7 further comprising a pair of stopper members attached to respective ones of the prong portions and positioned thereon such that the abutment of the cross member against the stopper members facilities the alignment of the retention pins with an opposed pair of the apertures.

10. The bouncer of claim 9 wherein the cross member includes a pair of tubular sleeve portions which are slidably mounted to respective ones of the prong portions and selectively positionable against respective ones of the stopper members.

11. The bouncer of claim 6 wherein the cross member further includes a locking switch movably mounted thereto and operatively coupled to the actuation handle such that the movement of the locking switch from a locked position to an unlocked positions allows the actuation handle to be moved from the locking position to the release position.

12. The bouncer of claim 6 wherein the actuation mechanism further comprises a pair of shock absorbers pivotally connected to and extending between the cross member and the upper section of the frame.

13. The bouncer of claim 2 further comprising a seat support member pivotally connected to the upper section of the frame, the infant seat being connected to the upper frame and the seat support member which is pivotally movable relative to the upper section between an extended position and a retracted position.

14. The bouncer of claim 13 wherein:

the upper section of the frame includes a pair of prong portions which extend in spaced relation to each other;

a pair of support bosses are attached to and protrude outwardly from respective ones of the prong portions of the upper section;

a pair of spring biased retention pins are moveably attached to and protrude outwardly from respective ones of the prong portions of the upper section in close proximity to respective ones of the support bosses; and

the upper section is operatively captured between the support bosses and the retention pins when in the extended position.

15. An infant bouncer, comprising:

a frame having at least one adjustment mechanism integrated therein, the adjustment mechanism being configured to allow for a selective adjustment in the level of bouncing movement at least one portion of the frame may undergo relative to another portion thereof; and

an infant seat cooperatively engaged to the frame.

16. The bouncer of claim 15 wherein:

the frame comprises a lower section and an upper section which are pivotally movable relative to each other between deployed and collapsed positions;

the infant seat is connected to the upper section of the frame.

17. The bouncer of claim 16 wherein a spaced pair of the adjustment mechanisms are integrated between the upper and lower sections of the frame.

18. The bouncer of claim 17 wherein each of the adjustment mechanisms comprises:

a biasing member; and

an adjustment member which is cooperatively engaged to the biasing member and operative to selectively increase or decrease a preload applied thereto.

19. The bouncer of claim 18 wherein the biasing member is an elastomeric spring.

20. The bouncer of claim 15 wherein the infant seat comprises a seat frame which includes a lower frame section pivotally connected to an upper frame section.