TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of infant soothing products. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and device for motioning an infant's stroller for the purpose of soothing the infant. BACKGROUND ART

During the first few months of a baby's life, it requires an enormous amount of attention and soothing. The baby's parents, or caregiver, very often hold the baby in their arms in order to calm them, while rocking them in a soothing motion. Since holding the baby for long periods of time is very tiring, many times, the baby is instead put into a stroller and is rocked back and forth so that the motion calms the baby and helps put him to sleep. However, this simple action of rocking the stroller neutralizes or limits the parent from doing other tasks.

An existing prior art discloses a product having a base for placing a stroller onto it, and the base moves and therefore rocks the stroller. This product is very large and heavy, and needs to be connected to an electricity outlet. Because of its size and weight, it cannot be easily moved from one place to another, and is therefore confined to the home only. An additional prior art discloses a device that attached to the stroller and vibrates it. The vibrating motions are not similar to a hand gently rocking a stroller, and therefore, are not soothing as one.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a device which simulates the gentle rocking of an arm, to properly and easily calm a baby.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a rocking device (30) comprising: a first part (34) in which is installed an electric motor (46) which rotates a crankshaft (44), and a first connector (38a); a second part (36) in which is installed a connecting pin (60) and a second connector (38b); a rod (56), connected in one end thereof to the crankshaft (44) and in the other end thereof to the connecting pin (60); at least one bearing (47a, 49a), extendable / retractable along a longitudinal axis of the rocking device, and connected in one end thereof to one of the parts (34, 36), and in the other end thereof to the other the parts (34, 36); thereby upon rotating the electric motor, extending and retracting the connectors (38a, 38b) in a reciprocating motion, such that if one of the connectors is connected to a stable object while the other connectors is connected to a stroller, rocking the stroller in a reciprocating motion. The rocking device (30) according to claim 1 may further comprise a bellows sleeve (42), connected in one end thereof to the first part (34), and in the other end thereof to the second part (36), thereby covering a mechanism of the rocking device which is situated between the first and second parts such that when the device is extended as part of the reciprocating motion, the bellows sleeve (42) is extended as well, and vice versa. Preferably, at least one of the connectors (38a, 38b) is in a form of a jaws holder. Preferably, the jaws holder comprises a fastener and elastomeric object(s), for generating a secure gripping. Preferably, at least one of the jaws holders is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the rocking device.

Preferably, at least one of the jaws holders is rotatable around a horizontal axis of the rocking device.

Preferably, the extendable distance thereof is up to 85 mm.

Preferably, the electric motor is operated by a chargeable battery, chargeable by domestic power supply.

The rocking device may further comprise a USB port, for charging USB devices. The rocking device may further comprise a music player having a volume button (50), for playing soothing music.

The motor may be activated in two or more different speeds which can be chosen by the user.

The rocking device may further comprise a processor (a device that can execute a code or alternative electronic circuitry that can perform the same functionality). The processor may be installed in the rocking device, or alternatively embedded in a remote device communicating with the rocking device via a short range communication channel. The rocking device my further comprise a sound sensor and a sound analyzer adapted to detect a baby cry, and activating a rocking session of the device in which the device ceases its rocking operation automatically after a predetermined time period.

The rocking device may be adapted to use a smartphone as a user interface panel, for controlling the rocking device.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for rocking a stroller (54), the method comprising the steps of

— providing a rocking device (30) stroller having connectors (38a-b) on both opposite ends and a mechanism for extending and retracting the connectors from each other in a reciprocating motion!

— connecting one of the connectors (38a ^_ b) of the rocking device (30) to a stroller (54);

— connecting the other of the connectors (38a ^_ b) of the rocking device (30) to a static and stable object; and

— operating the device (30) to activate a reciprocating motion so that the stroller (54) is glided back and forth in a reciprocating motion.

The reference numbers have been used to point out elements in the embodiments described and illustrated herein, in order to facilitate the understanding of the invention. They are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting. Also, the foregoing embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings :

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device for rocking a stroller in an extended position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention!

Fig. 2 shows a top view of the device of Fig. l;

Figs. 3A-B show a side view of the device of Fig. l, in a retracted and extended position, respectively!

Fig. 4 shows a broken top view of the device of Fig. 1, illustrating the mechanism! Fig. 5 shows the connectors rotation axis!

Fig. 6 shows the connectors longitudinal axis! and

Figs. 7A-B show the device of Fig. 1 in the extended and retracted positions, respectively, connected to a stroller.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments ("best mode"), which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on, are not described in detail. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device for rocking a stroller in an extended position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a top view thereof. In these Figs, there is shown a perspective view of a device for rocking a stroller 30. Device 30 is made of body 32 having a right part 34 and left part 36. On each part 34 and 36 is situated a connector 38a, 38b, respectively. In the example herein each of the connectors is in a form of a jaws holder. A bolt having a clip 40 is used for approaching / distancing the jaws of a jaws holder to / from each other, and securing the holder when gripping an object.

The device 30 comprises a mechanism for extending / retracting its left part to / from its right part in a reciprocating motion. "Reciprocating motion, also called reciprocation, is a repetitive up-and-down or back-and-forth linear motion. It is found in a wide range of mechanisms, including reciprocating engines and pumps." (Wikipedia) By attaching one connector 38a to a stable object, and the other connector 38b to a baby stroller, the reciprocating motion of the device 30 which extends and retracts the left part to/from the right part rocks the stroller in a reciprocating motion.

A bellows sleeve 42 is positioned in between parts 34 and 36. The bellows sleeve conceals the mechanism inside while the device extends / retracts.

An on/off switch 48 is situated on body 32. Volume button 50 is situated on the side of body, near speed button 52. In Fig. 3A there is shown a side view of device 30 in an extended situation, and in Fig. 3B is shown a side view of device 30 in a retracted situation.

One of the connectors, for example 38a, has to be connected to a stable and static object by turning rotating its clip 40 to strengthen connector's grip on the object, while connector 38b has to be connected to an infant's stroller 54 (shown in Fig. 7) in the same manner as connector 38a. As illustrated, the bellows sleeve adjusts its length according to the extending and retracting of the device 30.

Device 30 rocks stroller 54 forth and back with the above described reciprocating motion of folding bellows sleeve 42, thus soothing an infant resting in stroller 54, while the parent is free to pursue other activities.

There are also provided soothing music tracks (not shown) integrated in body, and music speakers 51, for further calming an infant. The volume of the speakers can be adjusted by button 50.

The device 30 may employ one or more USB ports, for the purpose of, for instance, charging a cellular phone, tablet, etc. Device 30 requires a chargeable battery located in body. Body has a Led indicator (not shown) for the charging status of the battery. USB is the acronym of Universal Serial Bus, which is an industry standard that defines cables, connectors and communications protocols for connection.

In Fig. 4 there is shown a broken top view of body of device 30, revealing the reciprocating mechanism of the device. The zoomed area focuses on the electric motor and the crankshaft connected to the motor.

As illustrated, the rocking device comprises a left part 36 and a right part 34, connected by two parallel sliding bearings. The upper (in the figure's orientation) sliding bearing comprises a shaft 49a mating with a cylinder 47a. The lower (in the figure's orientation) sliding bearing comprises a shaft 49b mating with a cylinder 47b. The shafts are moveable along the longitudinal axis of the rocking device 30. Thus, the sliding bearings force a linear extension and retraction of the left and right parts of the rocking device 30. Actually one sliding bearing may be adequate, but two sliding bearings provide a more stable structure.

Electric motor 46 rotates crankshaft 44. Since rod 56 is connected to pin 60 which is connected to the left part 36 of the device, when electric motor 46 rotates, the connectors 38 extend / retract from / to each other in a reciprocating motion. The bellows sleeve which is connected in one end to the left part 36 and in the other end to the right part of the device, extend / retract as well.

In Fig. 5 there is shown connector 38b illustrating its rotational movement capabilities by arrows C and D around a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the rocking device. This capability allows for connectors 38a-b to reach various available angles of the various surfaces available to the user in any given location.

Also shown in Fig. 5 is an elastomeric object 64. Each jaw of connectors 38a ^_ b has an internal elastomeric element object for creating friction with the surface they attach to, for secure gripping. In this example, the elastomeric objects are in a form of longitudinally "chopped" cylinders. In Fig. 6 there is shown connectors 38a ^_ b illustrating their movement capability around a latitudinal axis shown by two-directional arrow E. This capability, like the above described rotational movement capability, allows for connectors 38a-b to reach various available angles and heights of the various surfaces available to the user in any given location.

In Figs. 7a ^_ b there is shown a rocking device 30 connected to a stroller 54. In Fig. 7a device 30 is in its extended state and in Fig. 7b the device is in its retracted state. The extending motion (illustrated by arrow F) pushes the stroller away, and the retracting motion (illustrated by arrow G) pulls the stroller back. The pushing and pulling of stroller 54 in the directions of arrows F and G is the reciprocating motion.

Preferably, the rocking device is operated by DC (Direct Current). It may use a chargeable battery to be charged by domestic electric power.

The rocking device 30 may be operated by a remote control (not shown). The rocking device may be adapted to operate in various speeds, depending on the user (parent) selection, to cease its operation gradually during a predetermined period (e.g., 15 seconds), and the like. The rocking device may have predetermined operation session, such as of 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and the like, after which it ceases its operation automatically.

Preferably, the rocking device allows extending thereof of about 80 mm. Experiments carried out by the inventor of the present invention has shown that this extension is preferable.

The illustrated design of the rocking device is oriented to horizontal rocking. However, it should be noted that the rocking device may also be oriented for vertical rocking, for, for example, rocking a hammock. In this case, the floor may be used as the stable object, and the connector may be adapted for this purpose, i.e., use a suction cup and the like as a replacement to one of the connectors.

The rocking device 30 is bi-directional so that each connector 38a and 38b may be attached to either a stroller 54 or a static body. Preferably, the rocking device is mobile! nevertheless, it can be designed to be a part of a stroller.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device uses a processor, such as a controller or computerized means, for generating "sophisticated" actions.

For example, the rocking device may comprise a sound sensor, which its samples are provided to the processor which analyzes the sound in order to detect a baby cry. Upon detecting a baby cry, the rocking device may activate a rocking session (e.g., a predetermined rocking period), play a sound track, and the like. The processor may be installed in the rocking device 30, but also my be a remote entity such as a program application executed by a smartphone and communicating with the rocking device 30 via short range communication channel that corresponds to a communication protocol such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, NFC, and the like.

In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals (Reference Signs List) have been mentioned:

- numeral 30 denotes a device for rocking a stroller and the like!

- numeral 32 denotes the body of device 30;

- numeral 34 denotes a first part of device 30; which is also referred as right part, according to its orientation in the figures!

- numeral 36 denotes the second part of device 30, which is also referred as left part, according to its orientation in the figures!

■ numeral 38a-b denotes a connector, such as a jaws holder;

- numeral 40 denotes a clip for fastening a jaws holder;

- numeral 42 denotes a folding bellows sleeve!

- numeral 44 denotes a crankshaft; - numeral 46 denotes an electric motor!

^■ each of numerals 47a ^_ b denotes a cylinder of a sliding bearing!

- numeral 48 denotes an on/off switch;

■ each of numerals 49a-b denotes a shaft of a sliding bearing;

- numeral 50 denotes a volume button;

- numeral 51 denotes speakers

- numeral 52 denotes a speed button;

- numeral 54 denotes a stroller;

■ numeral 60 denotes a connection pin! and

- numeral 64 denotes an elastomeric element

The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form.

Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should to be interpreted according to this definition.

The reference numbers in the claims are not a part of the claims, but rather used for facilitating the reading thereof. These reference numbers should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any form.