阅读说明：本技术 便携式回弹装置 (Portable rebounding device ) 是由 姆拉登·德扬科维奇 米莱娜·德扬科维奇 于 2018-05-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种回弹装置,包括前构件、后构件和弹簧机构,弹簧机构定位于前构件和后构件之间,用于允许前构件和后构件朝向彼此移动和远离彼此移动。(A rebounding device includes a front member, a rear member, and a spring mechanism positioned between the front member and the rear member for allowing the front member and the rear member to move toward and away from each other.)

1. A rebounding device, comprising:

a front member;

a rear member; and

a spring mechanism positioned between the front and rear members for allowing the front and rear members to move toward and away from each other.

2. The rebounding device of claim 1 wherein the spring mechanism includes first and second spring elements having a length and a width, wherein the length is greater than the width, and wherein the first and second spring elements are curved about an axis that is parallel to the width.

3. The rebounding device of claim 2 wherein each of the first and second spring elements includes a front planar portion, a rear planar portion, and a rounded portion therebetween.

4. A rebounding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a first front end of the front planar surface of the first spring element, distal from the rounded portion, is angled with respect to the width of the spring element along the rear planar surface and the rounded portion.

5. A rebounding device according to claim 4, wherein a second front end of the front planar surface of the second spring element, distal from the rounded portion, is angled with respect to the width of that spring element along the rear planar surface and the rounded portion.

6. The rebounding device of claim 5 wherein first and second inner edges of the first and second forward end portions, respectively, are angled inwardly toward the rear planar surface.

7. The rebounding device of claim 6 wherein the front member includes a curved surface.

8. The rebounding device of claim 7 wherein the curved surface of the front member corresponds with the inwardly angled first and second front ends of the first and second front planar portions of the spring element.

9. A rebounding device according to claim 3, wherein the front member includes a curved surface.

10. The rebounding device of claim 3 wherein a rear end of the rear planar surface of the first spring element is offset relative to a front end of the front planar surface of the first spring element.

11. The rebounding device of claim 10 wherein a rear end of the rear planar surface of the second spring element is offset relative to a front end of the front planar surface of the second spring element.

12. The rebounding device of claim 1 wherein the front member, the rear member, and the spring mechanism are integrally formed.

13. The rebounding device of claim 1 wherein the front member includes a planar front surface surrounded by a front wall having a front base distal from the planar front surface, and wherein the rear member includes a planar rear surface surrounded by a rear wall having a rear base distal from proximate the planar rear surface.

14. The rebounding device of claim 13 wherein the front member and the rear member include a front outer inclined surface and a rear outer inclined surface, respectively, adjacent to the front planar surface and the rear planar surface, respectively.

15. The rebounding device of claim 13 wherein the spring mechanism comprises one selected from the group consisting of: a plurality of coil springs, a plurality of leaf springs, and at least one zigzag spring.

16. The rebounder of claim 15 wherein the front base and the rear base abut.

17. The rebounder of claim 13 wherein the first member and the second member include a compressible material.

18. A rebounding apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the compressible material is a breathable foam.

Background

The present subject matter relates generally to portable rebounding devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to rebounder devices that are used against a stationary surface to generate a rebounding motion.

Shaking is a part of people's daily routine. Many benefits of shaking have been demonstrated over centuries, while new motivations and other causes for shaking are often discovered. One of the most well known uses of shaking is to calm the baby. The gentle rocking motion mimics the movement felt by the baby in the mother's womb and may soothe the baby, help to soothe the child, or may reduce crying during colic episodes while nursing.

Shaking for personal benefit is a safe activity and option for those with sedentary lifestyle or for those with limited physical activity, including many elderly adults, individuals with injuries or chronic diseases, or those sitting in front of a chair or table for extended periods of time. The act of shaking has been shown to have benefits such as relief of arthritis and back pain, improvement of muscle tone, improvement of balance, and enhanced circulation.

Studies have shown that shaking improves mental health in those suffering from dementia, anxiety and depression due to the release of enkephalins that stimulate mood. Other studies indicate that the benefits of shaking can provide comfort and contribute to the active treatment of anxiety, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. NASA reports that shaking is the most effective procedure for controlling autonomic nervous dysfunction of astronauts returning to the earth from a near earth orbit. Shaking can also be a low energy movement that increases blood flow for persons suffering from physical limitations, such as the elderly and disabled. Health professionals recommend some form of exercise while sitting in office chairs for extended periods of time to enhance circulation and muscle movement.

However, continuous rocking cannot be comfortably performed even for short periods of time, let alone for hours, while in a sitting position without external means such as a rocking chair to aid repetitive motion. Continued rocking motion for extended periods of time without assistance can also cause significant strain on muscles and joints. The implementation, versatility and flexibility of use of existing solutions are extremely limited. Operating conditions and other usage requirements often make existing devices unavailable to users when and under conditions where shaking assistance is most needed. The limitations of using conventional rocking furniture are that it cannot be easily moved from room to room or that the user does not easily carry it during the journey.

Furthermore, conventional rocking solutions require a large amount of floor space and are therefore unsuitable for use in small rooms and may not be easily stored when not in use. While some hospitals and nurseries have rockers or gliders for parents, staff and caregivers, it is expensive to have a rocker or glider in each room, which is problematic for a budget-limited facility to operate. Smaller options for rocking an infant include a bassinet, a rocking chair or a cradle, but in these options the infant is separated from the caregiver, limiting the ability to hold, feed or easily feed the infant while rocking.

Furthermore, conventional rocking solutions cannot be combined with other existing furniture such as sofas or beds, thus preventing users from using such furniture when it is necessary to hold and feed or calm the infant with rocking. Many mothers prefer to feed while sitting upright in bed, especially at night, but must choose between the comfort of the bed and the function of the rocking device, as there is no device that allows both.

Accordingly, there is a need for a portable compressible rebound device that can be used against a stationary surface to generate a rocking motion when in a seated position, as described herein.

Disclosure of Invention

To meet the above and other needs, the present disclosure provides a rebounding device that includes a spring mechanism between a front member and a rear member. During use, the user positions the rear member of the rebounding device against a stationary object, such as a chair or a wall. The user rests his back on the front piece and applies pressure to generate a gentle shaking motion. When compressed, the rebounding device exerts a biasing force that gently pushes the user's upper body forward while the user remains seated.

In one embodiment, the rebounding device includes a front member, a rear member, and a spring mechanism positioned between the front member and the rear member. The spring mechanism comprises a first elongate spring element and a second elongate spring element, each spring element comprising a front planar surface and a rear planar surface, the front and rear planar surfaces being integral with a rounded portion. Each spring element acts as a leaf spring, wherein the front and rear planar surfaces move towards and away from each other around the circular portion.

Each of the front planar surfaces of each spring element is twisted inwardly toward the rear planar surface to form a curvature for receiving the back of the user. The front member is secured to the front planar surface of the spring element and includes a curvature complementary to a curvature of the front planar surface. The rear member is secured to the rear planar surface of the spring element. During use, the user's back rests comfortably on the curved front member and angled front planar surface, while the rear member and rear planar portion rest on the stationary surface.

In one embodiment, the front member and the rear member comprise a front flexible material and a rear flexible material extending between a pair of front and rear planar surfaces of the first and second spring elements, respectively. The front and rear flexible materials are tensioned between front and rear pairs of front and rear planar portions of the first and second members, respectively, such that pressure applied to the materials moves the front planar portions toward the respective rear planar portions. A foam insert or other bulky material may be secured over each of the front and rear members and/or the flexible material.

In another embodiment, the rebounding device includes a housing having a front member and a rear member that include a spring mechanism. The housing is constructed of a foam material that allows for compression. During use, a user positions the rebounding device between the middle to lower portion of their back, preferably the back, and a support surface such as a headboard, aircraft seat, or wall. When compressed, the rebounding device exerts a biasing force that pushes the user's upper body forward while the user remains seated.

Specifically, each of the front and rear members of the housing includes a planar surface surrounded by a wall having a greater thickness at the base and narrowing near the planar surface, forming an outer side surface. The bases of the front and rear members are adjoined together by fastening means. The spring mechanism positioned between the front and rear members includes a spring element that is biased against planar surfaces of the front and rear members. The spring mechanism may be any elastic object that stores mechanical energy and generates a reaction force when compressed, such as a plurality of coil springs. The internal distribution structure of the springs provides a uniform spring feel to the user without the need for a central spring. Other suitable spring mechanisms may be used.

The housing may be constructed of a compressible material such as a breathable foam, which also allows for breathability and minimizes the weight of the device. The rebounding device may also include a cover or sleeve that surrounds the housing. Heating or cooling elements may be incorporated in the housing and/or the cover.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that provides a smooth and repetitive shaking motion while also significantly reducing the strain on the body and reducing the physical activity and force required to shake the body.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a convenient solution for a rebounder that is positioned between the user's back and any support surface and against the support surface.

Another advantage of the present invention is that its profile is specifically tailored to the upper body to provide a comfortable and supportive rebound motion for the user's lean.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a portable rebounding device that is easily carried from one location to another, occupies a small space, and can be easily stored when not in use.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be used with almost any existing furniture or support surface; allowing the user to hold the infant while continuing to rock while sitting up, provided that there is a support surface deemed comfortable.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a solution to the need for shaking movements that is significantly less expensive than conventional shaking solutions.

Drawings

The drawings depict one or more implementations in accordance with the present concepts by way of example only and not by way of limitation. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of the rebounding apparatus of the present application.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rebounding device of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the rebounding device of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the rebounding device of fig. 1.

Fig. 6A and 6B are top views of the rebounding device of fig. 1 taken orthogonally to the front member and the rear member, respectively.

Fig. 7A to 7D are front, side, rear and top views of the rebounding device of fig. 1, showing dimensions.

Fig. 7E and 7G are front views of the first and second spring elements, respectively, of the rebounding device of fig. 1, illustrating dimensions.

Fig. 7F and 7H are top plan views of the front planar surfaces of the first and second spring elements, respectively, of the rebounding device of fig. 1, showing dimensions.

Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the front member of the rebounding device of fig. 1.

Fig. 8B is another embodiment of the rebounding device of fig. 1.

Fig. 8C is a perspective view of the rebounding device of fig. 1, including an optional reinforcing spring element.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the rebounding device of the present application.

Fig. 10 is a front elevational view of the rebounding device of fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the rebounding device of fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is an exploded cross-sectional side elevational view of the rebounding device of fig. 9 taken generally along line 12-12 of fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is a front elevational view of the rebounding device of fig. 9 with a portion of the front member cut away.

Fig. 14 and 15 are example spring mechanisms used in the rebounding device of fig. 8.

Figures 16 to 18 show the rebound device in the uncompressed, partially compressed and compressed positions respectively.

Fig. 19-21 show various embodiments in which a rebounder may be used.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by production and operation of the embodiments. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.