WO2007119922A1

WO2007119922A1 - A cushion for nursing

Info

Publication number: WO2007119922A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/000363
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chang Hyun Kim
Original assignee: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION; Seoul National University of Science and Technology
Current assignee: SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION; Seoul National University of Science and Technology
Priority date: 2006-04-17
Filing date: 2007-01-22
Publication date: 2007-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2008-10-17

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a cushion for nursing, which is constructed to be tilted, thus allowing a baby's posture to be adjusted in all directions. The nursing cushion includes an upper body and a lower body. Upper and lower joints are provided between the upper and lower bodies in such a way as to roll relative to each other, and rotate the upper body relative to the lower body in all directions. The nursing cushion includes a stopper means which selectively stops the rolling motion of the upper and lower joints. Therefore, the present invention allows a user to feed a baby for a lengthy period of time in a proper posture without holding the baby, thus dramatically increasing the user's convenience, and prevents milk from flowing backwards during nursing. Further, an item which arouses babies' interest may be provided on the external appearance of the nursing cushion.

Description

A CUSHION FOR NURSING

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to a cushion for nursing and, more particularly, to a cushion for nursing, which is constructed so that a baby's position can be variably adjusted according to the inclination angle, thus affording comfortable nursing. Background Art

[2] A nursing cushion, which is used to support a baby and feed food to the baby, was proposed in Korean U.M. Registration No. 209643, which is entitled 'Holding Rack for Infant'. According to the cited document, as shown in FIG. 1, the nursing cushion includes a seating body 20 and a waist support 30. A user sits such that his or her waist is supported by the waist support 30. Thus, the nursing cushion is advantageous in that the user can feed a baby who is laid on the seating body 20 without holding the baby, so that it is comfortable. However, the nursing cushion is problematic in that the waist support 30 and the seating body 20 have a large volume, so that the nursing cushion may be used only when the user is sitting. The round upper surface of the nursing cushion 10 gives the baby incorrect posture. Further, a baby's legs may slip from the seating body, so that it is inconvenient to use. It is impossible for the nursing cushion to be used in a small space, for example, a vehicle.

[3] Further, such a nursing cushion is problematic in that the seating body 20 is a flat plane, so that a baby may slip from the seating body or fall to the ground when a user takes his or her eyes off the baby. In order to prevent food from flowing backwards during nursing, a baby's head must always be positioned high. To this end, a user must support the baby's head with his or her arm, so that it is difficult to feed the baby for a lengthy period of time.

[4] Another nursing cushion was proposed in Korean U.M. Registration No. 357321, which is entitled 'Inclined Nursing Cushion'. According to the cited document, as shown in FIG. 2, the nursing cushion has on its left and right sides protective steps 50 to hold the baby in the nursing cushion. Further, the nursing cushion is inclined upwards at a predetermined angle, such that a head-rest portion of the nursing cushion is high, thus preventing food from flowing backwards during nursing. The seating surface 60 of the nursing cushion is inclined, thus preventing food from flowing backwards during nursing. However, the nursing cushion is problematic in that the seating surface is a flat plate, so that a baby's legs slip from the seating surface, and thereby it is difficult to stably hold the baby during nursing. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[5] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cushion for nursing, which has an improved structure so that the cushion can be rotated and tilted at a predetermined angle, thus allowing a user to feed a baby for a lengthy period of time in a good posture.

[6] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cushion for nursing, in which an upper body is inclined at a predetermined angle, thus preventing milk from flowing backwards during nursing, and in which the upper surface of the upper body is formed to be concave, thus preventing a baby from slipping from the upper body, and allowing a user to feed the baby in a comfortable posture. Technical Solution

[7] In order to accomplish the objects, the present invention provides a cushion for nursing, including a lower body, an upper body coupled to an upper portion of the lower body, an upper surface of the upper body having a shape of a plate so that a baby seats on the upper body, and upper and lower joints coupled to a lower portion of the upper body and an upper portion of the lower body, respectively, and rotating the upper body in all directions.

[8] The lower joint is provided on an upper surface of the lower body and is rounded in a hemispherical shape, and the upper joint is provided on a lower portion of a center of the upper body to receive part of the lower joint, so that the lower and upper joints may roll relative to each other.

[9] The cushion for nursing further includes a stopper means for selectively limiting rotation of the upper and lower bodies.

[10] The stopper means includes a support shaft which vertically passes through centers of the upper and lower joints, a plunger which is fitted over the support shaft in such a way as to move up and down, a spring which is supported by a lower end of the support shaft and elastically biases the plunger upwards, a stopper member, through which part of the support shaft passes, and which is provided between the plunger and the spring, thus supporting vertical movement of the plunger, a yoke which is rotatably coupled via a hinge shaft, with a lower end of the yoke selectively contacting an upper portion of the plunger, and an upper portion of the yoke being mounted to a first end of the link, and a lever handle which is coupled to a second end of the link and is mounted to the upper body in such a way as to move forwards and backwards.

Advantageous Effects

[11] As described above, the present invention can adjust the position of a baby, who is being fed, in all directions. [12] To this end, the nursing cushion of the present invention has an improved structure such that the cushion is tilted. [13] This structure allows a user to feed a baby for a lengthy period of time in a suitable posture without holding the baby.

[14] Thus, the present invention considerably increases a user's convenience.

[15] Further, the present invention prevents milk from flowing backwards during nursing. [16] Further, when an article arousing a baby's interest, for example, a doll or an animal shape, is provided on the external appearance of the nursing cushion, babies can comfortably drink milk and are emotionally stabilized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional cushion for nursing;

[18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another inclined cushion for nursing;

[19] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cushion for nursing, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [20] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view showing a stopper means, which is the important part of the present invention; [21] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the stopper means, which is the important part of the present invention; [22] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the state in which an upper body and a lower body of the present invention are coupled to each other; [23] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state in which the stopper means and a lower joint of the present invention are coupled to each other; [24] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the state in which the stopper means and an upper joint of the present invention are coupled to each other; [25] FIG. 9 is a view showing the use of the present invention, in which the cushion is covered with a cover; [26] FIGS. 10 and 11 are views schematically showing the operation of the stopper means, which is the important part of the present invention, depending on the manipulation of a lever handle; [27] FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the coupling of important parts of the present invention; [28] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view showing a cushion for nursing, according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [29] FIG. 14 is a front view showing the cushion for nursing, according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [30] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a stopper means, which is the important part of the second embodiment of the invention; and

[31] FIGS. 16 and 17 are views schematically showing the operation of the stopper means, which is the important part of the second embodiment of the invention, depending on the manipulation of a lever handle.

[32] *Description of reference characters of important parts*

[33] 100: upper body 112: bracket

[34] 150: upper joint 155: guide step

[35] 200: lower body 250: lower joint

[36] 252: guide protrusion 310: support shaft

[37] 320: plunger 330: spring

[38] 340: yoke 345: coupling hole

[39] 350: hinge shaft 360: link

[40] 370: lever handle 380: stopper member

[41] 500: cover

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[42] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[43] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 12, a nursing cushion according to the present invention includes an upper body 100 and a lower body 200. Upper and lower joints 150 and 250 are provided between the upper and lower bodies 100 and 200 in such a way as to roll relative to each other, and rotate the upper body 100 relative to the lower body 200 in all directions. The nursing cushion includes a stopper means which selectively stops the rolling motion of the upper and lower joints 150 and 250.

[44] In a detailed description, the lower joint 250 has the shape of a hemispherical cap, and is integrally provided on the upper portion of the center of the lower body 200. Alternatively, the lower joint may be detachably fastened to the lower body 200 using an additional fastening member (not shown: screw, fitting piece, etc.)

[45] Further, the upper joint 150 is provided in the lower portion of the center of the upper body 100, and is concavely formed to receive part of the lower joint 250 in such a way that it rolls. The upper joint is integrally or detachably coupled to the upper body 100.

[46] The stopper means includes a support shaft 310, a plunger 320, a spring 330, a stopper member 380, a yoke 340, and a lever handle 370. The support shaft passes vertically through the central portions of the upper and lower joints 150 and 250. The lower end of the support shaft is supported by the bottom of the lower body 200. The plunger is fitted over the upper end of the support shaft 310. Part of the outer cir- cumference of the plunger is slidably coupled to the upper joint 150, so that the plunger can move up and down. The spring is fitted over the lower end of the support shaft 310 in such a way as to be compressed and extended, and has elastic support force in one direction (the upward direction). The lower portion of the stopper member contacts the upper portion of the spring 330 to be elastically supported by the spring, and the upper surface of the stopper member contacts the lower end of the plunger 320, thus limiting the downward movement of the plunger 320. The stopper member is provided in the center of the lower joint 250 in such a way as to move up and down. The yoke is rotatably coupled via a hinge shaft 350 in such a way that the lower end of the yoke selectively contacts the upper portion of the plunger 320. The upper portion of the yoke is mounted to one end of the link 360. The lever handle is mounted to the other end of the link 360 in such a way as to move forwards and backwards relative to the upper body 100.

[47] Further, corresponding brackets 112 are mounted to both sides of the inner surface of the upper body 100, and have shaft holes 112a to support both ends of the hinge shaft 350. Coupling holes 345 are formed in the central portion and the upper portion of the yoke 340, respectively, so that the hinge shaft 350 is fitted into the central portion of the yoke 340, and the upper portion of the yoke is mounted to one end of the link 360. The plunger 320 is constructed so that the outer circumference thereof is coupled to the center of the upper joint 150 in such a way as to move up and down, the upper surface of the plunger selectively contacts the lower end of the yoke 340, and edges protrude outwards from the upper and lower surfaces of the plunger. Thus, when the plunger 320 moves up and down, the plunger selectively contacts the upper joint 150 or the stopper member 380.

[48] Further, the plunger 320 is supported so that the lower end of the plunger contacts the upper end of the stopper member 380. Thus, the stopper member 380 and the plunger 320 are normally biased upwards by the elastic force of the spring member 330.

[49] The stopper member 380 is coupled to the central portion of the lower body 200 in such a way as to move up and down. Part of the outer circumference of the support shaft 310 passes through the center of the stopper member in such a way that the support shaft moves up and down. Further, the lower portion of the plunger 320, coupled to the support shaft 310, contacts and is supported by the upper surface of the stopper member, thus limiting the downward movement of the plunger 320.

[50] Further, coupling holes 312 are formed in the upper end of the support shaft 310, so that the hinge shaft 350 passes through the coupling holes. The lower end of the support shaft contacts the bottom of the lower body 200, thus guiding the vertical movement of the stopper member 380 and the plunger 320. [51] Preferably, a cover 500 having the shape of a doll or an animal which is familiar to babies is provided on the outer circumferences of the upper and lower bodies 100 and 200. The cover 500 is formed to be thin so that it does not interfere with the movement of the lever handle 370, even though the cover 500 covers the lever handle 370. Alternatively, a hole may be formed in the cover so as not to obstruct the moving path of the lever handle 370.

[52] Preferably, the nursing cushion of the present invention further includes a guide means for guiding the rolling motion of the upper and lower joints 150 and 250. The guide means includes a plurality of guide protrusions 252 which are formed on the upper surface of the lower joint 250, and guide steps 155 which are provided in the lower portion of the upper joint 150 to correspond to the guide protrusions 252.

[53] The operation of the nursing cushion, constructed as described above, is as follows.

[54] The nursing cushion according to the present invention is normally maintained such that the yoke 340 is vertically erected. Thus, the lower end of the yoke 340 contacts the upper surface of the plunger 320. While the lower end of the plunger 320 contacts the center on the upper surface of the stopper member 380, the plunger presses down the stopper member 380. Thereby, the spring 330, positioned under the stopper member 380, is compressed. Further, as the upper edge of the plunger 320 comes into contact with the bottom of the upper joint 150, the rotation of the upper body 100 is limited due to frictional force between the plunger 320 and the upper joint 150, or between the upper joint 150 and the lower joint 250.

[55] In this case, the contact force of the upper joint 150 with the lower joint 250 is increased by downward compressing force transmitted from the plunger 320. Thus, due to frictional force generated when the upper joint 150 contacts the lower joint 250, the upper body 100 is secured to the lower body 200.

[56] Meanwhile, when a user pulls the lever handle 370 so as to feed a baby, the moving force of the lever handle 370 is transmitted through the link 360 to the upper portion of the yoke 340 in the form of rotating force. The yoke 340 rotates around the hinge shaft 350, so that the yoke is laid in a horizontal state.

[57] When the yoke 340 rotates, the yoke 340 is laid in the horizontal state, so that force constraining the upper portion of the plunger 320 is eliminated. Thus, the stopper member 380 is moved upwards by the elastic force of the spring 330. As the stopper member 380 moves, the plunger 320, contacting the upper portion of the center of the stopper member 380, slides along the outer circumference of the support shaft 310 and moves upwards.

[58] Thereby, a gap is formed between the upper joint 150 and the plunger 320, so that the force of the plunger 320, pressing the upper joint 150 downwards, is eliminated. Thus, the contact force between the upper joint 150 and the lower joint 250 is reduced, so that the locking state of the upper and lower joints 150 and 250 due to frictional force therebetween is released. As a result, the lower surface of the upper joint 150 may roll on the upper surface of the lower joint 250.

[59] Because the frictional force between the upper joint 150 and the lower joint 250 is eliminated, a user may hold and tilt the upper body 100 to an angle which is suitable for feeding a baby.

[60] The upper and lower joints 150 and 250 perform rolling motion due to their rounded shape. Through the rolling motion, the upper body 100 can be adjusted relative to the lower body 200 in all directions to attain the proper inclination angle.

[61] When the inclination angle is adjusted, a baby's head is preferably placed at an upper position so as to prevent the baby from vomiting. Further, when a user feeds a baby while the user is lying down, the direction of the upper body is preferably adjusted so that a baby's head faces the user.

[62] In the case where the angle of the upper body 100 is suitable for feeding the baby, the upper body must be fixed to the tilted position. To this end, when a user pushes the lever handle 370 to its original position, the rotating force is transmitted through the link 360 to the yoke 340, so that the yoke 340 rotates around the hinge shaft 350 and maintains a vertical state. As the yoke 340 is erected up, the lower end of the yoke 340 presses the upper portion of the plunger 320, and the pressing force is transmitted through the stopper member 380 to the spring 330, so that the spring 330 is compressed. Further, the plunger 320 comes into surface contact with the bottom of the upper joint 150, and is locked to the upper joint via frictional force. Thus, the upper body 100, the angle of which is adjusted, can be maintained at a predetermined position.

[63] Meanwhile, after the nursing has been completed, the lever handle 370 is manipulated again so that the upper body 100 returns to its original position.

[64] Hereinafter, the construction and operation of a cushion for nursing according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17. FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view showing the cushion for nursing, according to the present invention, FIG. 14 is a front view showing the cushion for nursing, according to the present invention, FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a stopper means, which is the important part of the invention, and FIGS. 16 and 17 are views schematically showing the operation of the stopper means, which is the important part of the invention, depending on the manipulation of a lever handle.

[65] The nursing cushion is characterized in that a recess 210 having a predetermined depth is formed in one end of a base plate 140 of an upper body 100, and a grip part 170 is provided outside the recess 210 to be spaced apart from the recess by a predetermined distance, is made of the same material as the base plate 140, and extends downwards to the ground.

[66] Further, a stopper means is characterized in that a contact member 390 is additionally provided between the upper end of a plunger 320 and the lower end of a yoke 340, so that the plunger 320 is in surface contact with the yoke 340 via the contact member. The contact member 390 may be a washer having elasticity.

[67] The plunger 320 includes a T-shaped body 321, an extension part 322, and a fastening part 323. The extension part extends upwards from the upper end of the body 321 to surround the outer surface of the lower end of the yoke 340. The fastening part is provided on the center of the extension part 322, so that a hinge shaft 350 is fastened to coupling holes of the yoke 340, the plunger 320, and a support shaft 310.

[68] The yoke 340 is a rectangular part which has a predetermined thickness and is rounded at its lower end with a predetermined curvature. A horizontal groove 341 is formed in an end of the upper portion of the yoke, and receives one end of a link 360. Through holes 343 are formed in the center of the lower end of the yoke, so that the hinge shaft 350 passes through the support shaft 310, the plunger 320, and the yoke 340.

[69] Since the other components of the nursing cushion of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, the detailed description of the upper and lower bodies, the upper and lower joints, and the stopper means will be omitted. Hereinafter, the operation of the nursing cushion according to the second embodiment will be described.

[70] The nursing cushion according to the second embodiment of the invention is normally maintained such that the yoke 340 is vertically erected. Thus, the lower end of the yoke 340 contacts the upper surface of the contact member 390, and the upper end of the plunger 320 contacts the lower surface of the contact member 390. Further, when the lower end of the plunger 320 comes into contact with the center of the upper surface of the stopper member 380, and presses down the stopper member 380, the spring 330, positioned under the stopper member 380, is compressed. When the edge of the upper surface of the body 321 of the plunger 320 contacts the bottom of the upper joint 150, the rotation of the upper body 100 is limited by frictional force between the plunger 320 and the upper joint 150 and between the upper and lower joints 150 and 250.

[71] In this case, the upper joint 150 is coupled to the lower joint 250 while the contact force of the upper and lower joints is increased by downward compressing force transmitted from the plunger 320.

[72] Thus, the upper body 100 is secured to the lower body 200 due to the frictional force generated when the upper joint 150 contacts the lower joint 250.

[73] Meanwhile, when a user pulls the lever handle 370 to feed a baby, the moving force of the lever handle 370 is transmitted through the link 360 to the upper portion of the yoke 340 in the form of a rotating force. The yoke 340 rotates around the hinge shaft 350 at a predetermined angle. In this case, the corner of the lower portion of the yoke 340 is preferably rounded at a predetermined curvature, thus allowing the yoke 340 to rotate up to about 45°.

[74] Consequently, when the yoke 340 rotates, the lower end of the yoke 340 rotates at a predetermined angle, so that the yoke is laid flat. Thereby, force constraining the plunger 320 at an upper position is eliminated, so that the stopper member 380 is moved upwards by the elastic force of the spring 330. As the stopper member 380 moves, the plunger 320, contacting the upper portion of the center of the stopper member 380, slides along the outer circumference of the support shaft 310 and moves upwards.

[75] At this time, a gap is formed between the upper joint 150 and the plunger 320.

[76] Thus, the force of the plunger 320 pressing down the upper joint 150 is eliminated.

[77] Thereby, the contact force between the upper and lower joints 150 and 250 is reduced, so that the locked state of the upper and lower joints 150 and 250, attributable to the frictional force therebetween, is released. As a result, the lower surface of the upper joint 150 may roll on the upper surface of the lower joint 250. Therefore, a user may hold and tilt the upper body 100 to an angle which is suitable for feeding a baby.

[78] The upper and lower joints 150 and 250 perform rolling motion due to their rounded shape. Through the rolling motion, the upper body 100 is adjusted relative to the lower body 200 in all directions to have a proper inclination angle.

[79] In the case where the angle of the upper body 100 is suitable for feeding the baby, the upper body must be fixed to the tilted position. To this end, a user must push the lever handle 370 to its original position. The operation will be described below in brief. First, the rotating force is transmitted through the link 360 to the yoke 340, so that the yoke 340 rotates around the hinge shaft 350 and remains vertical. As the yoke 340 is erected, the lower end of the contact member 390, which is in surface contact with the lower end of the yoke 340, presses the upper portion of the plunger 320, and the pressing force is transmitted through the stopper member 380 to the spring 330, so that the spring 330 is compressed. Further, the plunger 320 is in surface contact with the bottom of the upper joint 150, and is locked to the upper joint by vertical frictional force. Thus, the upper body 100, the angle of which is adjusted, can be maintained at a predetermined position.

[80] Meanwhile, after the nursing has been completed, the lever handle 370 is manipulated again so that the upper body 100 is returned to its original position.

[81] Of course, as in the first embodiment, it is preferable that a cover 500, having the shape of a doll or an animal which is familiar to babies, be provided on the outer cir- cumferential surfaces of the upper and lower bodies 100 and 200. Industrial Applicability

[82] As described above, the present invention provides a cushion for nursing, which has an improved structure so that the cushion is tilted, thus allowing a baby's posture to be adjusted in all directions.

[83] Therefore, the present invention allows a user to feed a baby for a lengthy period of time in a proper posture without holding the baby, thus dramatically increasing the user's convenience, and prevents milk from flowing backwards during nursing. Hence, it is expected that users seeking a more convenient nursing method will welcome this invention.

Claims

[1] A cushion for nursing, comprising: a lower body; an upper body coupled to an upper portion of the lower body, an upper surface of the upper body having a shape of a plate so that a baby seats on the upper body; and upper and lower joints coupled to a lower portion of the upper body and an upper portion of the lower body, respectively, and rotating the upper body in all directions.

[2] The cushion for nursing according to claim 1, wherein the lower joint is provided on an upper surface of the lower body and is rounded in a hemispherical shape, and the upper joint is provided on a lower portion of a center of the upper body to receive part of the lower joint, so that the lower and upper joints may roll relative to each other.

[3] The cushion for nursing according to claim 1, further comprising: stopper means for selectively limiting rotation of the upper and lower bodies.

[4] The cushion for nursing according to claim 3, wherein the stopper means comprises: a support shaft, vertically passing through centers of the upper and lower joints; a plunger fitted over the support shaft in such a way as to move up and down; a spring, supported by a lower end of the support shaft, and elastically biasing the plunger upwards; a stopper member, through which part of the support shaft passes, and provided between the plunger and the spring, thus supporting vertical movement of the plunger; a yoke, rotatably coupled via a hinge shaft, with a lower end of the yoke selectively contacting an upper portion of the plunger, and an upper portion of the yoke being mounted to a first end of the link; and a lever handle coupled to a second end of the link, and mounted to the upper body in such a way as to move forwards and backwards.

[5] The cushion for nursing according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a cover, surrounding outer surfaces of the upper and lower bodies.

[6] The cushion for nursing according to claim 1, wherein a recess having a predetermined depth is formed in an end of a base plate of the upper body, and a grip part is provided outside the recess to be spaced apart from the recess by a predetermined distance, is made of the same material as the base plate, and extends downwards.

[7] The cushion for nursing according to claim 4, wherein the stopper means further comprises: a contact member provided between an upper end of the plunger and a lower end of the yoke so that the plunger is in surface contact with the yoke via the contact member.

[8] The cushion for nursing according to claim 4 or 7, wherein the plunger comprises: a T-shaped body; an extension part extending upwards from an upper end of the body, and surrounding an outer surface of the lower end of the yoke; and a fastening part provided in a center of the extension part so that the hinge shaft passes through coupling holes of the yoke, the plunger, and the support shaft.

[9] The cushion for nursing according to claim 4 or 7, wherein the yoke is a rectangular part which has a predetermined thickness and is rounded at a lower end thereof at a predetermined curvature, with a horizontal groove formed in an end of an upper portion of the yoke to receive the first end of the link, and a through hole formed in a center of the lower end of the yoke so that the hinge shaft passes through the support shaft, the plunger, and the yoke.