Child Pacifying Elastic Chairs

Abstract

Child pacifying elastic chair in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, an elastic chair for supporting a user while soothing a child, the elastic chair comprising: a ball body having a spherical configuration, wherein the ball body allows the user to bounce vertically; a back rest connected to the ball body, wherein the back rest provides the user a support structure to lean against; at least one arm rest connected to the ball body, wherein the at least one arm rest provides the user a place to rest at one of user's arms; and a plurality of feet connected to the ball body, wherein the plurality of feet provide stabilization for the ball body such that horizontal motion of the ball body is restricted while the user bounces vertically atop the first surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to chairs and more specifically to child pacifying elastic chairs.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Excessive crying in children is common and is especially prevalent during the early years. Excessive crying is concerning to and stressful for parents and can disrupt the sleep patterns of an entire household. Traditional methods of soothing children may incorporate a variety of motions and sounds, such as driving around in a car, gentle rocking, or speaking and singing softly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The various embodiments of the present elastic chairs contain several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the present embodiments, their more prominent features will now be discussed below. In particular, the present elastic chairs will be discussed in the context of pacifying babies. However, the use of the elastic chairs is merely exemplary and various other elastic devices may be utilized as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled "Detailed Description," one will understand how the features of the present embodiments provide the advantages described here.

[0004] One aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization that a baby may be pacified through bouncing. For example, many parents may find success in pacifying their children while sitting and bouncing on top of a yoga ball. Yet, using devices (e.g., yoga balls, etc.) other than the present embodiments, require its user to exert considerable core strength in order to prevent the yoga ball from rolling in various directions. This balancing is particularly exhausting if attempted while holding a child. Therefore, this method of soothing quickly becomes draining for parents. Using yoga balls, therefore, do not make for ideal child pacifying devices. Further, using devices such as yoga balls could be dangerous to caregivers and the children they are holding. The present embodiments solve these problems by providing an elastic chair that resists rolling in various directions while allowing for a bouncing motion. The present embodiments thus advantageously enable pacifying through bouncing without requiring the user to exert core strength.

[0005] In a first aspect, an elastic chair for supporting a user while soothing a child, the elastic chair comprising a ball body having a spherical configuration comprising a first surface configured to interface with the user and a second surface, opposite the first surface, configured to interface with a floor, wherein the ball body allows the user to bounce vertically atop the first surface as the second surface makes contact with the floor; a back rest connected to the ball body, wherein the back rest provides the user a support structure to lean against; at least one arm rest connected to the ball body, wherein the at least one arm rest provides the user a place to rest at one of user's arms; and a plurality of feet connected to the ball body, wherein the plurality of feet provide stabilization for the ball body such that horizontal motion of the ball body is restricted while the user bounces vertically atop the first surface.

[0006] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the back rest is made using a flexible material.

[0007] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the plurality of feet is made using a flexible material.

[0008] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the plurality of feet comprises five feet.

[0009] In another embodiment of the first aspect, each of the plurality of feet are in fixed spatial relationship to each other.

[0010] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one arm rest comprises a first arm rest and a second arm rest, wherein the first and second arm rests each has a cylindrical shape.

[0011] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the ball body is made using PVC plastic.

[0012] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the ball body, the back rest, the at least one arm rest, and the plurality of feet are a singular unit.

[0013] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the singular unit is made of PVC plastic.

[0014] In another embodiment of the first aspect, one of the plurality of feet includes a plastic socket for receiving an attachment, wherein the attachment includes a support beam that fits into the socket.

[0015] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the elastic chair is inflated with air.

[0016] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the elastic chair comprises at least one chamber inflated with air.

[0017] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the elastic chair comprises a plurality of chambers inflated with air.

[0018] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one armrest extends perpendicular to the back rest.

[0019] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the ball body has a diameter of 37 inches.

[0020] In another embodiment of the first aspect, each foot of the plurality of feet is spherical.

[0021] In another embodiment of the first aspect, each foot of the plurality of feet is conical.

[0022] In another embodiment of the first aspect, each foot of the plurality of feet is cylindrical.

[0023] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the back rest extends upwards from the first surface.

[0024] In another embodiment of the first aspect, the plurality of feet extend downwards from the second surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The various embodiments of the present elastic chairs will be discussed in detail with an emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious elastic chair shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a user holding a child using the elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 2D illustrates a back view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The following detailed description describes the present embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, reference numbers label elements of the present embodiments. These reference numbers are reproduced below in connection with the discussion of the corresponding drawing features.

[0033] Turning now to the drawings, elastic chairs for pacifying a child in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In several embodiments, an elastic chair may include a spherical ball body comprising a first surface that allows a user to bounce vertically and a second surface, opposite to the first surface, configured to interface with a floor. In many embodiments, the elastic chair may also include a back rest connected to the ball body providing a support structure for the user to lean against. In several embodiments, the elastic chair may also include a pair of arm rests connected to the back rest providing a place for the user to rest their arms. In a variety of embodiments, the elastic chair may also include a plurality of feet connected to the ball body to prevent rolling of the ball body while the user is seated and/or bouncing. The elastic chair in accordance with embodiments of the invention are further discussed below.

Elastic Chairs for Pacifying Children

[0034] Elastic chairs used to pacify children may be configured to bounce while remaining stable. An elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated in the view of the elastic chair 100 with a user 102 holding a child 103, the elastic chair 100 may include a ball body 106 having a first surface for the user 102 to sit on. The ball body 106 may further include a second surface making contact with the floor, as further described below. In many embodiments, the ball body 106 may be made out of an elastic material, which allows for the user 102 and the child 103 in the user's arms to bounce vertically atop the first surface, as further described below. In several embodiments, the bouncing motion of the user 102 and child 103 may be controlled through the use of a plurality of feet 108, as further described below. In many embodiments, the plurality of feet 108 may make contact with the floor and therefore exert frictional force in the horizontal direction. This prevents horizontal movement of the ball body 106 while the user 102 and child 103 are bouncing on top, ensuring the safety of both the user 102 and the child 103. In many embodiments, the elastic chair 100 may include a back rest 105 and at least one armrest 104 providing support for the user 102 to lean against. In several embodiments, the elastic chair 100 may be constructed using a PVC material and filled with air. In many embodiments, the elastic chair 100 may be constructed using one chamber filled with air. In some embodiments, the elastic chair 100 may be constructed using multiple separate chambers of air.

[0035] Although a specific elastic chair for pacifying children is discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, any of a variety of elastic chairs including a variety of bodies, feet, back rest, and arm rests as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The prevention of horizontal movement of elastic chairs in accordance with embodiments of the invention are discussed further below.

[0036] Prevention of Horizontal Movement

[0037] In many embodiments, a child pacifying elastic chair may be spherical in shape and may include appendages to prevent horizontal movement. A top perspective view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2A. The top perspective view of an elastic chair 200 illustrates a spherical ball body 206. In some embodiments, a plurality of feet 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218 may be attached to the spherical ball body 206. In many embodiments, the plurality of feet 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218 may be attached to a bottom surface of the ball body 206. Although illustrated as having five feet, in other embodiments, the plurality of feet may include three feet where each of the feet is located at equal distance to each other. In other embodiments, the plurality of feet may include four feet where each of the feet is located at the vertices of a square relative to each other. In other embodiments, the plurality of feet may include six feet where each of the feet is located at the vertices of a regular hexagon relative to each other. In many embodiments, each feet of the plurality of feet may be spherical. In other embodiments, each feet of the plurality of feet may be conical. In many embodiments, each feet of the plurality of feet may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, each feet of the plurality of feet may be 6 inches in length.

[0038] In reference to FIG. 2A, the elastic chair 200 may also include a back rest 208 attached to the spherical ball body 206. In some embodiments a pair of armrests 204 and 202 may be attached to the back rest 208. In some embodiments, the pair of armrests 204 and 202 may be attached to the top of the back rest 208. In some embodiments, the pair of armrests 204 and 202 may be attached to lower points on the back rest 208. In some embodiments, the spherical ball body 206 may have a top surface and bottom surface, as further described below. Also, the back rest 208 may be attached to the top surface, as further described below. Additionally, the pair of armrests 204 and 202 may extend perpendicularly from the back rest 208. In other embodiments, only one armrest 202, 204 may be attached to the back rest 208. In some embodiments, the one armrest 202, 204 may extend perpendicular from the back rest 208. In other embodiments, each armrest of the pair of armrests 202 and 204 may be connected to the back rest 208 at one end and the top surface at the other end.

[0039] A bottom perspective view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2B. The bottom perspective view of an elastic chair illustrates a spherical ball body 206. In some embodiments, the plurality of feet 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218 may be attached to the spherical ball body 206. In many embodiments, the plurality of feet 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218 may be attached to the bottom surface. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of feet 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218 may make contact with the floor. When the user sits on top of the elastic chair, the user's weight creates a vertical force perpendicular to the floor on the plurality of feet. The plurality of feet in turn exerts frictional force in the horizontal direction against any horizontal movement of the elastic chair.

[0040] A side perspective view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2C. The side perspective view of an elastic chair illustrates the spherical ball body 206. In some embodiments the ball body 206 may include a first surface 230. The ball body 206 may further include a second surface 232 making contact with the floor. The side perspective view of the elastic chair further illustrates a back rest 208 and an armrest 202 from the pair of armrest 204 and 202. The side perspective view of the elastic chair also illustrates feet 210, 212, and 218 from a plurality of feet 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218. The side perspective further illustrates horizontal axis H. When the user is sitting or bouncing on the first surface 230, an uneven distribution of the user's weight creates the tendency for movement in the ball body 206. At the point of contact between the second surface 232 and the floor, the movement may include horizontal movement that happens along the horizontal axis H. The plurality of feet in turn may exert frictional force in the direction of the horizontal axis H against the movement of the ball body 206, which may stop the movement of the ball body 206 and stabilize the elastic chair.

[0041] A back perspective view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2D. The back perspective view of an elastic chair illustrates the spherical ball body 206. In some embodiments, the ball body 206 may include the first surface 230, as described above. The ball body 206 may further include the second surface 232 making contact with the floor, as described above. The back perspective view of the elastic chair further illustrates the back rest 208. The back perspective view of the elastic chair also illustrates feet 210, 212, and 214 from a plurality of feet 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218. The back perspective further illustrates vertical axis V. When the user sits on top of the first surface 230, the user may bounce in a vertical direction along the vertical axis V.

[0042] A three-dimensional view of an elastic chair in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. The three-dimensional view of an elastic chair 300 illustrates a ball body 306. In some embodiments, the elastic chair 300 may also include a back rest 308 attached to the spherical ball body 306. In some embodiments, a pair of armrests 302 and 304 may be attached to the back rest 308. The three-dimensional view of the elastic chair 300 also illustrates feet 310, 312, and 314 from a plurality of feet. In some embodiments, the elastic chair 300 may include any number of feet including 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet, etc. As described above, the plurality of the feet may exert frictional forces in the horizontal direction to prevent horizontal movement of the ball body 306. When a user bounces on top of the ball body 306, the plurality of the feet therefore may prevent and/or hinder motion in the elastic chair 300 outside of a bouncing motion in the vertical direction.

[0043] In some embodiments, the plurality of feet (e.g., feet 310, 312, 314) may be spherical appendages attached to the spherical ball body 306. In some embodiments, the ball body 306 and appendages may be filled with air. In some embodiments, conical armrests 302 and 304 may extend from the back rest 308, where the back rest 308 may extend from the spherical ball body 306.

[0044] Although specific elastic chairs for pacifying children are discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-3, any of a variety of elastic chairs including a variety of bodies, feet, back rests, and arm rests as appropriate to the requirements of a specific application may be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the invention. While the above description contains many specific embodiments of the invention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an example of one embodiment thereof. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. An elastic chair for supporting a user while soothing a baby, the elastic chair comprising: a ball body having a spherical configuration comprising a first surface configured to interface with the user and a second surface, opposite the first surface, configured to interface with a floor, wherein the ball body allows the user to bounce vertically atop the first surface as the second surface makes contact with the floor; a back rest connected to the ball body, wherein the back rest provides the user a support structure to lean against; at least one arm rest connected to the ball body, wherein the at least one arm rest provides the user a place to rest at one of user's arms; and a plurality of feet connected to the ball body, wherein the plurality of feet provide stabilization for the ball body such that horizontal motion of the ball body is restricted while the user bounces vertically atop the first surface.

2. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the back rest is made using a flexible material.

3. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the plurality of feet is made using a flexible material.

4. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the plurality of feet comprises five feet.

5. The elastic chair of claim 4, wherein the each of the plurality of feet are in fixed spatial relationship to each other.

6. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm rest comprises a first arm rest and a second arm rest, wherein the first and second arm rests each has a cylindrical shape.

7. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the ball body is made using PVC plastic.

8. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the ball body, the back rest, the at least one arm rest, and the plurality of feet are a singular unit.

9. The elastic chair of claim 8, wherein the singular unit is made of PVC plastic.

10. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of feet includes a plastic socket for receiving an attachment, wherein the attachment includes a support beam that fits into the socket.

11. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the elastic chair is inflated with air.

12. The elastic chair of claim 11, wherein the elastic chair comprises at least one chamber inflated with air.

13. The elastic chair of claim 11, wherein the elastic chair comprises a plurality of chambers inflated with air.

14. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the at least one armrest extends perpendicular to the back rest.

15. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the ball body has a diameter of 37 inches.

16. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein each foot of the plurality of feet is spherical.

17. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein each foot of the plurality of feet is conical.

18. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein each foot of the plurality of feet is cylindrical.

19. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the back rest extends upwards from the first surface.

20. The elastic chair of claim 1, wherein the plurality of feet extend downwards from the second surface.