Convertible rocker

Abstract

A convertible child seat or support device having a rocker and an adjustable support frame. The convertible rocker generally comprises a frame and attached child support assembly. The convertible rocker is configured to support an infant in a generally supine position and a toddler in an inclined position. In example embodiments, the frame includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the angle of incline of the backrest of the child support assembly between an infant position and a toddler position. In other embodiments, the child support assembly is configured to support a child in both an infant and toddler position based on the child's orientation in the child support assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A convertible seat and rocking apparatus comprising:
 a frame comprising at least one rocking element, wherein the frame is configured to rest on a support surface; and   a child support assembly having a head end, a foot end, and a back rest portion, wherein the child support assembly is coupled to the frame, and wherein the back rest portion is supported at an angle relative to the support surface;   wherein the frame comprises at least one adjustable feature configured to adjust the support angle of the back rest portion between an infant support position and a toddler support position.   
     
     
         2 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one rocking element has a first convex curvature in a first dimension and a second convex curvature in a second dimension, wherein the second dimension is offset from the first dimension. 
     
     
         3 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises first and second triangular-shaped side members, wherein one side of each side member includes a rocking apparatus. 
     
     
         4 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein each of the first and second triangular-shaped side members comprises an armrest. 
     
     
         5 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein each armrest includes a sidewall positioned between the side member and the child support assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one adjustable feature comprises a U-shaped back rest support bar having two ends, wherein the first end of the back rest support bar is pivotally coupled to the armrest of the first side member and the second end of the back rest support bar is pivotally coupled to the armrest of the second side member. 
     
     
         7 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a kickstand pivotally coupled for repositioning between an extended position preventing rocking motion of the apparatus and a retracted position allowing rocking motion. 
     
     
         8 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the frame further comprises a bridge coupled between the first and second side members. 
     
     
         9 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein a first side of the triangular shaped side members comprises a rocker portion configured to rest on a support surface. 
     
     
         10 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein a second and a third side of the triangular shaped side members comprises a child support portion configured to support the child support assembly above the support surface. 
     
     
         11 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the second side and third side of the triangular shaped side members are not equal length. 
     
     
         12 . A convertible seat and rocker apparatus comprising:
 At least one U-shaped frame member comprising at least one rocking element configured to rest on a support surface;   a child support assembly having a head end, a foot end, and a back rest portion, wherein the child support assembly is coupled to the frame, and wherein the back rest portion is supported at an angle relative to the support surface; and   a kickstand repositionally coupled the frame for repositioning between an extended position preventing rocking motion of the apparatus and a retracted position allowing rocking motion;   wherein the back rest portion is repositionable between a supine infant support position and an inclined toddler support position.   
     
     
         13 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the kickstand comprises an L-shaped member. 
     
     
         14 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein a proximal end of the L-shaped member is pivotally coupled to an end of the at least one U-shaped frame member, wherein the L-shaped member has a free, distal end. 
     
     
         15 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein in the retracted position, the free end of the L-shaped member is pointed away from the support surface and in the extended position, the free end of the L-shaped member is pointed toward and engages with the support surface. 
     
     
         16 . The convertible seat and rocking apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the length of the free end of the L-shaped member is adjustable, wherein adjusting the length of the free end of the L-shaped member in the extended position adjust the angle of support for back rest portion of the child support assembly. 
     
     
         17 . A seat and rocker apparatus comprising:
 a frame comprising at least one rocking element configured to rest on a support surface; and   a child support assembly having a front end, a rear end, and a first and second side, wherein the child support assembly has a lengthwise axis extending between the front end and the rear end and has a widthwise axis extending between the first side and the second side, wherein the child support assembly is coupled to the frame;   wherein a child positioned in the child support assembly along the widthwise axis is supported in an infant, supine position; and   wherein a child positioned in the child support assembly along the lengthwise axis is supported in a toddler, inclined position.   
     
     
         18 . The seat and rocker apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the child support assembly is formed from a bowl having a peripheral sidewall wherein the peripheral sidewall has a height at the front end, the rear end, and the first and second sides of the child support assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The seat and rocker apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the height of the peripheral sidewall at the front end of the child support assembly is lower than the height of the peripheral sidewall at the first and second sides of the child support assembly. 
     
     
         20 . The seat and rocker apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the height of the peripheral sidewall at the rear end of the child support assembly is higher than the height of the peripheral sidewall at the first and second sides of the child support assembly. 
     
     
         21 . The seat and rocker apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the child support assembly is pivotally coupled to the frame such that the orientation of the child support assembly relative to the rocking element can be adjusted.