Graco Children's Products, Inc.

Daniel R Mitchell

Truman L Allison

Scott B Caley

James B Eldon, Iii

James Michael Dillner

Dennis R Stauffer

A control ( ) for an infant and child swing ( ) driven by a direct current motor ( ) includes a user interface ( ) for selecting from a plurality of swing heights (or amplitudes), a microcontroller ( ) having a processor ( ), a swing angle indicator ( ) having a light interrupter detector ( ), and a music system ( ). Processor ( ) receives an output signal from light interrupter detector ( ) for monitoring the current swing amplitude. At the end of each swing cycle processor ( ) compares the current swing amplitude with the user selected maximum swing amplitude, and, if not substantially equal, generates a control signal to adjust the power output from motor ( ) so that the current swing amplitude substantially equals the user selected maximum swing amplitude. This cycle-by-cycle adjustment produces a swing arc having improved accuracy and consistency. Processor ( ) also ends operation of motor ( ) after an optional, user preselected, fixed time period, and facilitates maintenance and repair by displaying the status of light interrupter detector ( ) upon selected actuation of user interface ( ).

Swing control for altering power to drive motor after each swing cycle

A swing drive mechanism is provided for use with infant's and child's swings. The swing drive mechanism provides an input mechanism, an output mechanism, and a torsion spring member disposed between the input mechanism and the output mechanism. The torsion spring member includes a first portion and a second portion that interact together to produce a desirable spring gradient while also reducing the overall length of the torsion spring member. The torsion spring member is secured into attachment with the input mechanism by a novel securement mechanism. The output mechanism includes an axle and a drive flange. Preferably, the features of the input mechanism, the output mechanism, and each portion of the torsion spring member are integrally formed.

Swing drive mechanism for child's swing

An open top swing assembly uses a unique swing drive mechanism and a control to provide three selective swing height settings. The assembly has a frame which provides an open top structure for ease of access and a trapezoidal shaped front base to provide foot clearance. The swing drive mechanism includes a drive sleeve rotatably mounted to an axle that operatively supports the hanger. A drive flange is mounted on the axle, with a drive flange coupling device positioned between the sleeve and the drive flange to provide a limited lost motion connection. The coupling device includes a hub member coaxially and rotatably mounted on the axle and at least one torsional spring mounted coaxially on the hub member. The hub member includes abutments for engaging with the drive flange, whereby torque applied to the sleeve is transferred to the axle. A crank driven by a motor is linked to the sleeve to oscillate the sleeve. The swing height control device can have a sensor for detecting the swing height or amplitude. Preferably, three swing height settings are provided. The control device selectively outputs either no voltage, first, second or third predetermined voltages to selectively control the voltage input to the motor based on the selection of the swing height setting and/or the sensed swing height to achieve the selected swing height.

Open top swing & control

Open top frame for a child's swing

Baby exerciser

Growing community of inventors

Morgantown, PA, United States of America

Daniel R Mitchell