U.S. patent application number 10/691674 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for convertible device with multiple useful configurations.
Invention is credited to Snyder, Carol D..
Application Number | 20050090178 10/691674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34521911 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050090178 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snyder, Carol D. |
April 28, 2005 |
Convertible device with multiple useful configurations
Abstract
The invention includes a base member configured to be parallel
to a support surface, a support member pivotally coupled to the
base member and an extension member. The support member is movable
between a first configuration in which said support member is
substantially perpendicular to the base member and a second
configuration in which the support member is substantially parallel
to the base member and said support surface. The extension member
is movable between a first configuration in which the extension
member is retracted and a second configuration in which the
extension member is coupled to the support member and angularly
disposed with respect to the support member.
Inventors: |
Snyder, Carol D.; (East
Aurora, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COOLEY GODWARD LLP
ATTN: PATENT GROUP
11951 FREEDOM DRIVE, SUITE 1700
ONE FREEDOM SQUARE- RESTON TOWN CENTER
RESTON
VA
20190-5061
US
|
Family ID: |
34521911 |
Appl. No.: |
10/691674 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/006 20130101;
A63H 33/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/071 |
International
Class: |
A63H 033/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a base member configured to be
substantially parallel to a support surface; a support member
pivotally coupled to said base member, the support member movable
between a first configuration in which a side of said support
member is substantially perpendicular to said base member and a
second configuration in which said side of said support member is
substantially parallel to said base member; and an extension member
being movable between a first configuration in which said extension
member is retracted when said support member is in the first
configuration associated with said support member and a second
configuration in which said extension member is coupled to said
support member and angularly disposed with respect to said support
member when said support member is in the second configuration
associated with said support member, said extension member being
configured to substantially support the weight of a user when in
its second configuration.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said extension member is
disposed substantially beneath said base member in the first
configuration.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, said extension member having a first
end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to
said support member and the second end is configured to engage a
support surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, said side being a first side wherein
said support member further includes a second side, the first side
configured to engage the base member when said support member is in
the second configuration associated with said support member, said
extension member being pivotally coupled to said support member
adjacent the second side.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
actuators configured to selectively output at least one of a visual
output and an audible output.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said plurality of actuators
are actuable when said support member is in each of the first
configuration and the second configuration associated with said
support member.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising at least one
actuator coupled to said support member, the actuator being
configured to output at least one of an audible output and a visual
output.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said plurality of actuators
are configured to each output a different one of said at least one
of said visual output and said audible output when contacted.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first arc member
coupled to opposing sides of, and extending above said base member;
and a second arc member coupled to the opposing sides of, and
extending above said base member, the second arc member being
substantially parallel to said first arc member.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: at least one
activity device, said at least one activity device being configured
to be coupled to at least one of the first arc member and the
second arc member.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said support member is
disposed substantially between said first arc member and said
second arc member.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said extension member is
disposed proximate to said support member when said support member
is in the first configuration associated with said support
member.
13. An apparatus, comprising: a substantially planar base member,
said base member configured to contact a support surface; a slide
member; and an activity member including a panel, the activity
member being coupled to said base member, the activity member being
disposable between a first configuration in which said panel is in
an upright orientation, and a second configuration in which said
slide member is deployed in a usable orientation and in which said
panel is configured as a step adjacent said slide member, said
slide member being configured to substantially support the weight
of a user when in the usable orientation.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: a first arc
member coupled to opposing sides of, and extending above said base
member; and a second arc member coupled to the opposing sides of,
and extending above said base member, the second arc member being
substantially parallel to said first arc member.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising at least one
activity device configured to be coupled at least one of said first
arc member and said second arc member.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said activity member is
disposed adjacent an edge of said base member substantially between
said first arc member and said second arc member.
17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said panel is pivotably
coupled to said base member, the panel including a first surface
and a second surface, the first surface configured as the step, and
the second surface being positioned adjacent the base member in the
second configuration.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said second surface includes
at least one actuator, the actuator being configured to output at
least one of an audible output and a visual output.
19. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of
actuators, at least one of said actuators being disposed within
said activity member and configured to output at least one of a
visual output and an audible output, at least one of said plurality
of actuators being actuable when said activity member is in each of
said first configuration and said second configuration.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said plurality of actuators
are configured to selectively output at least one of a plurality of
sounds contained in a memory coupled to said plurality of
actuators.
21. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the slide member is
rotatably coupled to said base member and is disposed substantially
beneath said base member when said activity member is in the second
configuration.
22. A method, comprising: pivoting a slide member from a retracted
position to an extended position, the slide member being coupled to
a substantially planar base member and configured to substantially
support the weight of a user, the base member including a plurality
of actuators configured to output at least one of a visual output
and an audible output; and pivoting a panel between an upright
orientation and a substantially flat orientation, the panel coupled
to the base member adjacent to the slide member.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the panel includes a first
surface and a second surface, said pivoting the panel including
contacting the second surface with the base member, the first
surface being configured as a step surface when the second surface
is contacting the base member.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to reconfigurable children's toys, and
more particularly to children's toys that can be useful in two or
more configurations.
[0003] There are numerous children's toys and activity centers that
are useful to entertain and stimulate children. Children quickly
outgrow such toys and constantly require new devices to assist in
the development of various motor skills, while still attracting the
child's attention. Activity mats or gyms are used to stimulate
infants and possibly to develop some fine motor skills such as
grasping objects, pressing buttons, sliding switches, etc. Other
devices such as slides and steps can help to develop motor skills
while providing a degree of entertainment.
[0004] Often devices that are usable by infants or smaller children
quickly surpass their useful life as the infant grows and develops
more advanced skills or as the infant becomes bored with the
device. Such devices are often either discarded or perhaps stored
for later use by another infant. As the child outgrows the devices,
new devices are typically purchased to enable the child to attain
the next stage in the development process. Some devices are
collapsible for storage purposes, but are only useful in their
expanded (i.e., set up) position.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a single device that can be
changed from a infant activity gym to a toddler activity device to
provide a continuous play environment for small children at varying
levels of development without the added cost of purchasing a
separate device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention includes a base member configured to be
parallel to a support surface, a support member pivotally coupled
to the base member and an extension member. The support member is
movable between a first configuration in which the support member
is substantially perpendicular to the base member and a second
configuration in which the support member is substantially parallel
to the base member and the support surface. The extension member is
movable between a first configuration in which the extension member
is retracted and a second configuration in which the extension
member is coupled to the support member and angularly disposed with
respect to the support member.
[0007] In embodiments of the invention, the device may also include
actuators and audio and visual output. The output may include
sounds and lights, or may include dials, buttons, switches, etc.,
which output mechanical sounds and visual images.
[0008] These and other aspects of the invention will become
apparent from the following drawings and description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention is described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers
indicate similar elements.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a device according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a device according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a device according to a
further embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a device according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a device according to yet
another embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device according to an
embodiment of the invention in a first configuration.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 6 in a
second configuration.
[0017] FIGS. 8A-8D depict movement of the device of FIG. 6 from a
first configuration to a second configuration.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 6,
taken along the line 9-9 in FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary audio
and visual output system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Several embodiments of a children's entertainment device or
toy 100 incorporating the principles of the invention are shown in
FIGS. 1-10. A general description of the device is presented first,
followed by a description of various implementations.
[0021] FIGS. 1-5 are schematic illustrations of embodiments of the
relationship of various components of device 100. As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5, the device 100 includes a base member 10, an activity
member 20, and a slide member 30. The base member 10, the activity
member 20, and the slide member 30 may by organized in a variety of
configurations. The device 100 is configurable between a first
configuration and a second configuration. The device 100 is usable
whether disposed in the first configuration or the second
configuration. For example, in the first configuration, the
activity member 20 is accessible by a child and is usable as an
activity or entertainment device. In the second configuration, the
slide member 30 is usable by the child. As indicated by the arrows
in FIGS. 1 and 2, the activity member 20 can move with respect to
the base member 10 to move between the various configurations of
the device 100.
[0022] In FIG. 1, the activity member 20 is in an upright
configuration with respect to the base member 10 in the first,
activity configuration. The activity member 20 is configured such
that a child can engage the activity member 20 while the child is
situated on the base member 10. The slide member 30 is not
separately illustrated in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment,
the slide member 30 can be removed from the device 100 and
separately stored. Alternatively, the activity member can be
pivoted away from the base member 10 and positioned as the slide
member 30 (i.e., disposed angularly with respect to the base member
10).
[0023] In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, the device
100 is arranged in the second configuration with the activity
member 20 disposed in a step configuration and the slide member 30
arranged to allow a child to traverse the upper surface of the
activity member 20 and proceed down the slide member 30.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the slide member 30 may be stored
within the device 100 in a variety of configurations.
[0025] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the slide member 30
is partially disposed within the activity member 20. Another
portion of the slide member 30 is disposed within the base member
10. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide member may be either
slidably or pivotably coupled to the activity member 20.
[0026] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the slide member 30
is disposed substantially within the bottom of the base member 10.
The slide member may be slidably or pitvotably coupled to the base
member 10 and may be removed from the base member 10 and coupled to
the activity member 20 to position the device 100 in the second
configuration.
[0027] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the slide member is
disposed angularly within the base member 10. In the illustrated
embodiment, the slide member may be slidably or pitvotably coupled
to the base member 10.
[0028] In any of the embodiments described herein, the slide member
30 may be pivotably coupled, releasably coupled, or slidably
coupled to the activity center 20 or to the base member 10. In the
first configuration, the slide member may be completely or
partially removed from the device or retracted within the device
100. For example, the slide member 30 may be pivotably coupled to
the activity member 20 and folded under the base member 10 in the
first configuration. Alternatively, the slide member 30 may be
removably coupled to the device 100 and either separated from the
device 100, attached to the outside of the device 100, or placed
within the device 100 when in the first configuration. The slide
member 30 may also be configured to slide into and out of either
the base member 10 or the activity member 20 to move between the
first configuration and the second configuration.
[0029] The activity member 20 may also be removable and configured
to be placed in a number of configurations on or adjacent to the
base member. For example, the activity member 20 may be configured
to be placed in one of several locations on the base member 10 and
then placed adjacent to slide member 30 in the second
configuration.
[0030] The base member 10 may be any one of several shapes
including but not limited to a circle, oval, square, rectangle,
pentagon, etc. The base member 10 is configured so that a child can
crawl, slide or climb onto the base member 10 in the first
configuration and then onto at least a portion of the activity
member 20 in the second configuration.
[0031] The base member 10 may have toys and objects attached to the
base including arc members 52, 54 described in detail below. Other
features such as toy animals, graspable articles etc. may also be
attached to the base member 10. The device may be attached to a
larger play system including other modular play devices.
[0032] One implementation of the device discussed above is now
described with reference to FIGS. 6-10. The device 100 includes a
base member 10, an activity member 20, and a slide member 30. FIG.
6 illustrates the device 100 in a first configuration. FIG. 7
illustrates the device 100 in the second configuration. FIG. 9 is a
cross-sectional view of the device 100 in the first
configuration.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 10 is
generally square and planar with two opposing beveled edge portions
12, 14 sloping up from the edge of the base member 10 to a slightly
elevated center portion 16. When the device 100 is in the activity
configuration, the slide member 30 is concealed under the slightly
elevated center portion 16.
[0034] The activity member 20 includes a step face 22 and an
activity face 24. The activity member 20 is pivotably coupled to
the base member 10 along an edge between the beveled edge portions
12, 14. The activity member 20 includes a pivot 28 located at the
junction of the activity face 24 and the base member 10. The
activity member 20 can pivot between the first or activity
configuration, where the activity member 20 is perpendicular to the
base member 10, and the second or slide configuration, where the
activity member 20 is parallel to the base member 10. The step face
22 is longer than the activity face 24 and extends below the
elevated surface 16 of the base member 10 and includes an extended
portion 25.
[0035] When the device 100 is in the first configuration, activity
member 20 is positioned such that the activity face 24 is readily
accessed by a child positioned on device 100. The activity face 24
can include many entertainment features such as a ball play center
26 and actuators 44, 46. When activated, the actuators 44, 46 cause
a visual or audible output or both visual and audible output. In
the illustrated embodiment, the actuators include a rocker switch
44 and a button 46, each coupled to an output generation system 70.
When the rocker switch 44 is toggled between different positions,
different audio or visual outputs are generated and output through
video and audio transducers (not shown). Similarly, the button
actuator 46 causes sounds and lights to be output when
actuated.
[0036] When the device 100 is in the second configuration, as shown
in FIG. 7, the step face 22 of the activity member is substantially
parallel with the base member 10 and faces upwardly with respect to
the support surface on which the device 100 is positioned. The
slide member 30 is disposed adjacent to the step face 22, allowing
a child to climb onto the step face 22 of the activity member 20
and proceed down the slide member 30. The activity face 24 of the
activity member 20 contacts the base member 10. When sufficient
force is applied to the step face 22, such as, for example, when a
child sits or steps on the step face 22, one or more of the
actuators 44, 46 can be pushed against the base member 10 and
activated, causing sounds and/or lights to be output. The audible
and/or visual output that is produced when the device 100 is in the
first configuration may be the same as or different than the
audible and/or visual output that is produced when the device 100
is in the second configuration. Additionally, sounds and or lights
may be output when the device 100 is moved between the first and
second configurations.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the slide member 30 is
pivotably coupled to the activity member 20 at a pivot or hinge 32
coupled to the extended portion 25 of the step face 22. When the
device 100 is in the second configuration, the slide member 30
extends from the activity member 20 at an angle down to the support
surface on which the device 100 is disposed.
[0038] Arc members 52, 54 can be coupled on opposing sides of and
adjacent to the corners of the base member 10. The arc members 52,
54 extend above the base member. In the illustrated embodiment, the
arc members are substantially parallel to one another and are
formed from a rigid material. The arc members 52, 54 are located
such that they can be used as support rails for a child using the
slide member 30 in the second configuration or as crawl-through
activity arcs in the first configuration. The arc members 52, 54
may also be used by a child to assist the child in moving from a
sitting to a standing position.
[0039] Arc members 52, 54 can include arc activity centers 62, 64,
66, 68 disposed thereon. The activity centers 62, 64, 66, 68 can be
configured to be used with balls or other play objects (not
illustrated). The arc activity centers 62, 64, 66, 68 are useful in
encouraging standing and coordination development. In other
embodiments, the arc activity centers may include activity devices
such as dials, buttons, textures, hanging toys or other child
activity toys.
[0040] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a sequence of moving the device from
a first configuration to a second configuration. FIG. 8A
illustrates the device 100 in the first configuration. As
illustrated in FIG. 8B, by lifting the device 100 and pivoting the
activity member 20 towards the base member 10, the slide member 30
pivots out from under the base member 10. As illustrated in FIG.
8C, after the activity member 20 is pivoted to a position parallel
to the base member 10, the slide member 30 is partially pivoted to
the fully extended orientation of the second configuration. The
slide member 30 can then be pivoted to its fully extended position
as illustrated in FIG. 8D.
[0041] To convert the device 100 from the second configuration back
to the first configuration, the device 100 is lifted and the
activity member 20 is pivoted to the upright position of the first
configuration. The slide member 30 is retracted under the base
member 10, completing the conversion.
[0042] FIG. 10 shows a functional block diagram of an exemplary of
the audio-visual output system suitable for use with the device
100. As shown in FIG. 10, the device 100 includes a controller 130,
an input block 40, a control block 90, and an output block 80. In
response to user input via the input block 40, the control block 90
controls the output of selected output, such as musical notes,
sound effects, light patterns or combinations of musical notes and
light patterns, from the output block 80. Regardless of the
orientation of the device 100 (i.e., in the first configuration or
the second configuration) the functionality described with respect
to FIG. 10 is the same.
[0043] Output block 80 includes output content 82, which includes
audio content 82A, and video content 82B. Audio content 82A can
include, for example, in either digital or analog form, musical
tones (which can be combined to form musical compositions), speech
(recorded or synthesized), or sounds (including recorded natural
sounds, or electronically synthesized sounds). Video content 82B
can include, for example, in analog or digital form, still or video
images, or simply control signals for activation of lamps or other
light-emitting devices.
[0044] The output content can be communicated to a user for
hearing, or viewing, by output generator 70, which can include an
audio output generator 74, and a video output generator 76. Audio
output generator 74 can include an audio signal generator 74A,
which converts audio output content 82A into signals suitable for
driving an audio transducer 74B, such as a speaker, for converting
the signals into audible sound waves. Video output generator can
include a video signal generator 76A, which converts video output
content 82B into signals suitable for driving a video transducer
76B, such as a display screen or lights, for converting the signals
into visible light waves. Video output generator 76 can also
include moving physical objects, such as miniature figures, to
produce visual stimulus to the user. The selection of the output
content 82, and the performance attributes of the output
generators, should be driven by the goal of generating output that
is appealing or entertaining to a child user.
[0045] Control block 90 controls output block 80, selecting the
output content to be output and activating the output generator 70
to operate on the selected output content. The operation of control
block 90 can be governed by control logic 92, which can be, for
example, computer software code. Control logic 92 can select
content to be output repetitively or non-repetitively, and/or
randomly or in fixed sequences. The video and audio output can be
coordinated to enhance the desired entertaining effect.
[0046] User input block 40 can include a mode selector 48, the
first actuator 44, and a second actuator 46, by which the user can
provide input to control block 90 to influence the selection of
output content and to initiate its output. Mode selector 48 allows
the user to select from among output modes. Illustrative output
modes include variations of combined video and audio output. For
example, the audio content 82A can include a set of musical tones
and a set of sound effect segments, and the video content can
include a selected sequence of illumination instructions for lamps.
Control logic 92 includes sets of sequences in which the musical
tones can be output to produce recognizable tunes. Various modes of
light operation (i.e., direction of light transmission) may be
selected. A program can include a predetermined sequential output
of the sets of tone sequences, producing a sequence of musical
tunes. Lamps can be illuminated in response to a set of
illumination instructions correlated with the playing of the
tunes.
[0047] While particular, illustrative embodiments of the invention
have been described, numerous variations and modifications exist
that would not depart from the scope of the invention. For example,
the device 100 can be configured to be repositioned using a
motor-driven assembly rather than being repositioned manually.
[0048] Although the device 100 is described above as having two
actuators positioned on the activity member 20, in an alternative
embodiment, the device 100 may include multiple actuators,
including actuators disposed on or beneath the base member 10, on
the arc members 52, 54, on or beneath the slide member 30, or other
at other positions of the device 100.
[0049] Additionally, although actuators 44, 46 are described above
as mechanical switches, the actuators may be motion detectors, IR
switches or other similar actuators to detect motion or position of
a child using the device 100. For example, an IR switch may be
placed in an opening between two ends of an arc member 52, 54 to
detect when an object or a child passes through the arc.
Alternatively, pressure switches may be located in the base member
10, the step surface 22 of the activity center 20, or the slide
member 30 to cause an output when a child or an object passes over
the actuator. A specific output pattern from the output 80 may also
be uniquely associated with a particular input. Actuators may also
be in the activity centers 62, 64, 66, 26 to respond to objects
contacting or passing through the activity center.
[0050] Although the position of the lights and speakers were not
described specifically above, the lights and speakers may be placed
in various locations on the device 100. Portions of the base member
10 or one or both of the arc members 52, 54 may be illuminated
either randomly or sequentially. Additionally, lights may follow
the path of a child down the slide 30 or around the device 100.
Additional speakers may also be used in various locations on the
device 100 to have location specific sounds such as character
sounds.
[0051] Although the switches discussed above were input actuators,
and mode select switches the device 100 can include on/off switches
and/or volume switches to modify the effect of the audio-visual
output system. The audio-visual output system may also include a
selector switch to vary the output or volume or both.
[0052] Although the actuators are described above as causing
electronic output, other actuators may output mechanical sounds and
visually appealing patterns such as a corn popper, a spinning
wheel, a knob with a window, a squeaker button, etc.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiments, the various components of
the device 100 are formed of plastic materials, but any other
material suitable for the intended use can be utilized.
[0054] Although the arc members 52, 54 are described above as being
substantially parallel to one another and rigid in configuration,
in an alternative embodiment, the arc members 52, 54 can be covered
with softgoods or can be substantially flexible. Additionally, the
arc members 52, 54 can be positioned in a crossing pattern.
Additional components may be made of other materials including
fabric, softgoods, foam or other appropriate materials.
[0055] Although not described in the embodiments illustrated above,
the base member 10 can be covered in softgoods. The softgoods can
be removably coupled to the base member 10 such that they can be
removed for washing or as the child gets older and the softgoods
are no longer necessary.
[0056] Although the activity member 20 is illustrated as a
substantially flat, rectangular panel, in alternative embodiments,
the activity member 20 may be any shape and configuration.
[0057] While particular, illustrative embodiments have been
described, numerous variations and modifications exist that would
not depart from the scope of the invention.
Conclusion
[0058] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of
the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only in
accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
[0059] The previous description of the embodiments is provided to
enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with
reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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