APPARATUS FOR INDUCING SLEEP IN BABIES

1 . An apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep, comprising:

a platform to maintain a baby approximately at or just above ground or floor level;

the platform comprising a base with a lower base surface and an upper base surface;

a cushion to support the baby;

the cushion removably positioned on the upper base surface;

wheels engaged to the lower base surface of the platform to roll the apparatus, wherein

the wheels induce vibration to the platform when the wheels are rolled on the floor or the ground;

the handle extending from the platform; and

the handle hingedly engaged to the platform.

2 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the handle retracts into the platform.

3 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion comprises a cushion layer, a rigid cushion base, and an outer layer.

4 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein sidewalls extend from the upper base surface to define a recess that receives the cushion.

5 . The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the sidewalls form a rolled lip.

6 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the wheels comprise a wheel stem that are inserted into a wheel opening of a wheel support of the platform.

7 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the lower base surface comprises a track, wherein the handle movably engages the track.

8 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the lower base surface comprises a first track member and a second track member; wherein the handle comprises a bar; wherein the bar slides in the first track member and in the second track member; wherein the platform comprises a bracket that receives the bar; and wherein the bar pivotally rotates within the bracket.

9 . The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the handle comprises handle extensions extending from the bar; and wherein the handle extensions comprise a grip.

10 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the lower base surface comprises a track, support ribs on both sides of the track, and wheel supports at corners of the platform.

11 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the handle comprises a first handle extension and a second handle extension connected to a bar; wherein the handle extensions have a generally linear shape; and the handle extensions and the bar are slideably engaged to a track.

12 . The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the track comprises a first track member and a second track member; the track comprises a bracket in operative engagement with the track; the handle extensions and the bar slide along the track; wherein a first opposing end of the bar slides in the first track member and a second opposing end of the bar slides in the second track member until the opposing ends abut or contact the bracket.

13 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the lower base surface is approximately 1 to approximately 6 inches from a floor upon which the apparatus is rolling on, and a top surface of the wheels are approximately flush with the lower base surface.

14 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the handle hinges relative to the apparatus after the handle is fully extended from the apparatus.

15 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises one or more motorized casters to propel the apparatus.

16 . An apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep, comprising:

a platform;

the platform comprising a base with a lower base surface and an upper base surface;

a cushion, the cushion positioned on the upper base surface;

sidewalls extending from the base to form a recess to receive the cushion;

wheels engaged to the lower base surface of the platform;

the handle extending from the platform, and the handle retractable to a position below the lower base surface;

the handle comprising handle extensions connected to a bar, wherein the handle extensions have a generally linear shape;

the handle extensions and the bar are slideably engaged to a track;

the track comprises a bracket in operative engagement with the track;

the handle extensions and the bar slide along the track; and

the bracket maintains the bar in a pivotal engagement to allow the handle extension to hinge relative to the platform.

17 . An apparatus for inducing a baby to sleep, comprising:

a platform;

the platform comprising a base with a lower base surface and an upper base surface;

a cushion, the cushion removably positioned on the upper base surface;

sidewalls extending from the base to form a recess to receive the cushion;

wheels engaged to the lower base surface of the platform;

the handle extending from the platform and the handle retractable to a position below the lower base surface;

the handle comprising a first handle extension and a second handle extension connected to a bar, wherein the handle extensions have a generally linear shape; wherein the bar has opposing ends;

the handle extensions and the bar are slideably engaged to a track, wherein the track comprises a first track member and a second track member;

the track comprises a bracket in operative engagement with the track;

the handle extensions and the bar slide along the track, wherein a first opposing end of the bar slides in the first track member and a second opposing end of the bar slides in the second track member until the opposing ends abut or contact the bracket; and

the bracket maintains the bar in a pivotal engagement with the platform to allow the handle extension to hinge relative to the platform after the first and second handle extensions are retracted from the apparatus.

18 . A method for inducing a baby to sleep, comprising:

providing an apparatus, comprising:

a platform, the platform comprising a base with a lower base surface and an upper base surface; a cushion to support a baby, the cushion positioned on the upper base surface; wheels engaged to the lower base surface of the platform;

a handle extending from the platform; the handle hingedly engaged to the platform;

setting the baby on the cushion;

gripping the handle; and

rolling the platform back and forth to induce the baby to sleep.

19 . The method according to claim 18 , further comprising:

simultaneously removing the cushion and the baby from the platform; and

transferring the baby to a bed or a crib.

20 . The method according to claim 18 , further comprising:

extending the handle from the platform;

setting the baby on the cushion;

rolling the platform back and forth to induce the baby to sleep;

moving the handle relative to the platform;

causing the platform to vibrate;

transferring the baby to a bed or a crib; and

retracting the handle into the platform.

21 . The method according to claim 18 , further comprising retracting the handle into a track on the lower base surface of the platform.