U.S. patent application number 11/774808 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-15 for partially deformable toy support system.
Invention is credited to Christopher D. Bryan, Scott Ernest Corley, Erin Marie Reed.
Application Number | 20090017718 11/774808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40253535 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090017718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bryan; Christopher D. ; et
al. |
January 15, 2009 |
PARTIALLY DEFORMABLE TOY SUPPORT SYSTEM
Abstract
A partially deformable toy support member comprising a bar
having a resilient center section and a pair of deformable end
sections. The resilient center section has an initial shape and is
configured to return to the initial shape after deflection. The
deformable end sections are able to retain shape once reconfigured.
The bar includes at least one cushioning cover covering at least
one of the center section and the end sections. The bar is
configured to have toys supported therefrom and is configured to be
connected to an infant supporting element.
Inventors: |
Bryan; Christopher D.;
(Grand Rapids, MI) ; Corley; Scott Ernest; (Ada,
MI) ; Reed; Erin Marie; (Caledonia, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON, LLP
695 KENMOOR, S.E., P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
40253535 |
Appl. No.: |
11/774808 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/227 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A partially deformable toy support member comprising: a bar
having a resilient center section and a pair of deformable end
sections; the resilient center section having an initial shape and
being configured to return to the initial shape after deflection;
the deformable end sections being able to retain shape once
reconfigured; the bar including at least one cushioning cover
covering at least one of the center section and the end sections;
wherein the bar is configured to have toys supported therefrom and
is configured to be connected to an infant supporting element.
2. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 1, wherein:
the at least one cushioning cover comprises a center cushioning
cover; and the resilient center section comprises an inner
resilient rod, with the inner resilient rod being positioned within
the center cushioning cover.
3. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 2, wherein:
the at least one cushioning cover further comprises cushioning
cover end portions; each deformable end section comprises an inner
deformable rod, with the inner deformable rod being positioned
within the cushioning cover end portions of each end section.
4. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 1, wherein:
the at least one cushioning cover comprises cushioning cover end
portions; and each deformable end section comprises an inner
deformable rod, with the inner deformable rod being positioned
within the cushioning cover end portions of each end section.
5. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 1, further
including: connection apparatus connected to each end section of
the bar for connecting the bar to the infant supporting
element.
6. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 5, wherein:
the connection apparatus includes a flexible panel having a
hook-and-loop type fastener attached thereto, the flexible panel
being configured to be wrapped about a support pole of the infant
supporting element and connected to itself via the hook-and-loop
type fastener to connect the flexible panel, and thereby the bar,
to the infant supporting element.
7. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 1, wherein:
the resilient center section includes at least one toy attachment
member for connecting a toy to the bar.
8. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 7, wherein:
the at least one toy attachment member comprises a strap having a
hook-and-loop type fastener.
9. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 1, wherein:
the bar includes a sleeve extending over the resilient center
section and the deformable end sections.
10. A partially deformable toy support member comprising: a bar
having a resilient center section and a pair of deformable end
sections; the resilient center section having an initial shape and
being configured to return to the initial shape after deflection,
the resilient center section comprising an inner resilient rod and
a center cushioning cover surrounding the inner resilient rod; the
deformable end sections being able to retain their shape once
reconfigured, the deformable end sections each comprising an inner
deformable rod and a cushioning cover end portion surrounding the
inner deformable rod; a connection member connected to each end
section of the bar for connecting the bar to an infant supporting
element; and a cover extending over the resilient center section
and the deformable end sections; wherein the resilient center
section includes at least one toy attachment member for connecting
a toy to the bar.
11. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 10,
wherein: the connection apparatus includes a flexible panel having
a hook-and-loop type fastener attached thereto, the flexible panel
being configured to be wrapped about a support pole of the infant
supporting element and connected to itself via the hook-and-loop
type fastener to connect the flexible panel, and thereby the bar,
to the infant supporting element.
12. The partially deformable toy support member of claim 10,
wherein: the at least one toy attachment member comprises a strap
having a hook-and-loop type fastener.
13. An infant entertainment system comprising: a bar having a
resilient center section and a pair of deformable end sections, the
resilient center section having an initial shape and being
configured to return to the initial shape after deflection, the
deformable end sections being able to retain their shape once
reconfigured, the bar including at least one cushioning cover
covering at least one of the center section and the end sections; a
connection member connected to each end section of the bar; and an
infant supporting element; the bar being removably connected to the
infant supporting element by removably attaching the connection
members to the infant supporting element; wherein the bar is
configured to have toys supported therefrom above the infant
supporting element for entertaining an infant on the infant
supporting element.
14. The infant entertainment system of claim 13, further including:
at least one toy supported from the bar and configured to be
located above the infant supporting element for entertaining an
infant on the infant supporting element.
15. A deformable toy support rod for an infant comprising: a center
bar portion having a first end and a second end and being
configured in an initial shape, the center bar portion being
configured to return to the initial shape after deflection, the
center bar portion comprising a support segment having a resilient
portion, with the resilient portion being encased within the
support segment, the center bar portion includes at least one
coupler, wherein at least one infant toy can be removably attached
to the coupler; and a first deformable end at the first end of the
center bar portion, a second deformable end at the second end of
the center bar portion, the first deformable end and the second
deformable end each comprising a supporting member having a
deformable portion, with the deformable portion being encased
within the supporting member; a covering encasing the support
segment and the supporting member; and a first connector portion
and a second connector portion, wherein the first connector portion
is connected to the first deformable end and the second connector
portion is connected to the second deformable end; wherein the bar
is configured to be connected to an infant supporting element by
removably connecting the first connector portion and the second
connector portion to the infant supporting element.
16. The deformable toy support rod of claim 15, wherein the center
bar portion and deformable ends are substantially cylindrical.
17. The deformable toy support rod of claim 16, wherein the support
segment and the supporting members comprise foam.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a partially deformable toy
support system.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0002] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a partially
deformable toy support member comprising a bar having a resilient
center section and a pair of deformable end sections. The resilient
center section has an initial shape and is configured to return to
the initial shape after deflection. The deformable end sections are
able to retain shape once reconfigured. The bar includes at least
one cushioning cover covering at least one of the center section
and the end sections. The bar is configured to have toys supported
therefrom and is configured to be connected to an infant supporting
element.
[0003] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
partially deformable toy support member comprising a bar having a
resilient center section and a pair of deformable end sections. The
resilient center section has an initial shape and is configured to
return to the initial shape after deflection. The resilient center
section has an inner resilient rod and a center cushioning cover
surrounding the inner resilient rod. The deformable end sections
are able to retain their shape once reconfigured. Each deformable
end section has an inner deformable rod and a cushioning cover end
portion surrounding the inner deformable rod. A connection member
is connected to each end section of the bar for connecting the bar
to an infant supporting element. A cover extends over the resilient
center section and the deformable end sections. The resilient
center section includes at least one toy attachment member for
connecting a toy to the bar.
[0004] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
infant entertainment system comprising a bar having a resilient
center section and a pair of deformable end sections. The resilient
center section has an initial shape and is configured to return to
the initial shape after deflection. The deformable end sections are
able to retain their shape once reconfigured. The bar includes at
least one cushioning cover covering at least one of the center
section and the end sections. A connection member is connected to
each end section of the bar. The bar is able to be removably
connected to an infant supporting element by removably attaching
the connection members to the infant supporting element. The bar is
configured to have toys supported therefrom above the infant
supporting element for entertaining an infant on the infant
supporting element.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
deformable toy support rod for an infant comprising a center bar
portion having a first end and a second end and being configured in
an initial shape. The center bar portion is configured to return to
the initial shape after deflection. The center bar portion has a
support segment and a resilient portion, with the resilient portion
being encased within the support segment. The center bar portion is
attached to at least one coupler and at least one infant toy can be
removably attached to the coupler. The toy support rod also
includes a first deformable end located at the first end of the
center bar portion and a second deformable end located at the
second end of the center bar portion. The first deformable end and
the second deformable end each have a supporting member having a
deformable portion, with the deformable portion being encased
within the supporting member. The rod further includes a covering
encasing the support segment and the supporting member. The rod
also includes a first connector portion connected to the first
deformable end and a second connector portion connected to the
second deformable end. The bar is configured to be connected to an
infant supporting element by removably connecting the first
connector portion and the second connector portion to the infant
supporting element.
[0006] Those and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims and attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view of a partially deformable toy support
member of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toy support member
of the present invention taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the toy support member
of the present invention taken along the line III-III of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the deformable toy support
member of the present invention used with an infant supporting
element.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the toy support member
and infant support element of the present invention taken along the
line V-V of FIG. 4.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of the infant supporting element of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the toy support member
of the present invention having a first embodiment of a toy
attachment member.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a top view of a second embodiment of the partially
deformable toy support member of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as orientated in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0016] The reference number 10 (FIGS. 1-3) generally designates a
partially deformable toy support member embodying the present
invention. In the illustrated example, the partially deformable toy
support member 10 comprises a bar 12 having a resilient center
section 14 and a pair of deformable end sections 16. The resilient
center section 14 has an initial shape and is configured to return
to the initial shape after deflection. The deformable end sections
16 are able to retain shape once reconfigured. The bar 12 includes
at least one cushioning cover 18 covering at least one of the
center section 14 and the end sections 16. The bar 12 is configured
to have toys 20 supported therefrom and is configured to be
connected to an infant supporting element 22.
[0017] In the illustrated example, the resilient center section 14
is configured to be positioned above the infant and the have the
toys 20 connected thereto. The resilient center section 14
comprises an inner resilient rod 24 and a center cushioning cover
26. The center section 14 is configured in an initial shape and is
configured to return to the initial shape after deflection. The
initial shape of the center section 14 can be an arch, a straight
line or any other configuration. It is also contemplated that the
initial shape of the center section 14 can include bent or angled
portions. The inner resilient rod 24 is made of any material that
is capable of returning to the initial shape after deflection. For
example, the inner resilient rod 24 can be made of plastic. It is
contemplated that the resilient rod 24 could be a single integral
piece or several interconnected pieces. In the illustrated
embodiment, the inner resilient rod 24 is surrounded by the center
cushioning cover 26. The center cushioning cover 26 can entirely
surround the inner resilient rod 24. The center cushioning cover 26
may be made of any material which provides a protective cushion
over the inner resilient rod 24. For example, the center cushioning
cover 26 can be made of foam formed as a hollow cylinder or a
fabric cover. The center cushioning cover 26 can have a shape
substantially identical to the initial shape of the inner resilient
rod 24 or any other shape. However, the center cushioning cover 26
preferably conforms to the shape of the inner resilient rod 24.
[0018] The illustrated deformable end sections 16 are connected to
a first end 28 and a second end 30 of the resilient center section
14. The deformable end sections 16 are able to retain their shape
once they are reconfigured into a different shape (e.g., when they
are bent). Each deformable end section 16 comprises an inner
deformable rod 32 and a cushioning cover end portion 34. The inner
deformable rod 32 is made of a material which will retain its shape
once it is configured into a different shape. For example, the
inner deformable rod 32 can be made of a metal (e.g., copper or
aluminum) wire or a pair (or more) of metal wires formed into
abutting helixes. It is contemplated that the inner deformable rod
32 could comprise other deformable materials. The cushioning cover
end portion 34 substantially surrounds the inner deformable rod 32.
The cushioning cover end portions 34 may be made of any material
which provides a protective cushion over the inner deformable rod
32. For example, the cushioning cover end portions 34 can be made
of foam formed as a hollow cylinder or a fabric cover. The
cushioning cover end portions 34 can have a shape identical to the
initial shape of the inner deformable rod 32 or any other shape.
However, the cushioning cover end portions 34 preferably conform to
the shape of the inner deformable rod 32. It is contemplated that
the center cushioning cover 26 of the resilient center section 14
and the cushioning cover end portions 34 of the deformable end
sections 16 can comprise separate pieces or one integral piece. For
example, the center cushioning cover 26 of the resilient center
section 14 and the cushioning cover end portions 34 of the
deformable end sections 16 can comprise a single tube of foam
covering the inner resilient rod 24 and the inner deformable rods
32.
[0019] The illustrated bar 12 may also comprise various
cross-sectional shapes, including, but not limited to, cylindrical,
triangular, or square. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the
resilient center section 14 and the deformable end sections 16
could have the same cross-sectional shape or that each could
include a different cross-sectional shape.
[0020] In the illustrated example, a connection member 36 is
connected to each end section 16 of the bar 12 for connecting the
partially deformable toy support member 10 to the infant supporting
element 22. The connector members 36 may be any type of fastener or
connection element which can secure the partially deformable toy
support member 10 to the infant supporting element 22. The
connector members 36 could include, but are not limited to,
hook-and-loop fasteners, suction cups, panels, straps, eyelets,
snaps, buckles, ties, hooks, and various combinations thereof. In
the illustrated example, the connector members 36 comprise a
combination of a hook-and-loop fastener 38 (e.g., Velcro.RTM.) and
a flexible panel 40. The flexible panel 40 comprises a piece of
fabric attached at a first end 42 to the end section 16 of the bar
12 and includes a second end 44 extending outwardly from the bar
12. The connection member 36 can comprise the flexible panel 40
including a first strip 46 of a first part of a hook-and-loop
fastener adjacent the second end 44 of the flexible panel 40 and a
second strip 48 of a second part of a hook-and-loop fastener on the
bar 12 adjacent the first end of the flexible panel 40 or on the
first end 42 of the flexible panel 40. As discussed in more detail
below, the flexible panel 40 wraps around a portion of the infant
supporting element 22 and is secured thereto using the connection
members 36.
[0021] The illustrated partially deformable toy support member 10
can include a sleeve 50 extending over and forming a part of the
center section 14 and the deformable end sections 16. The sleeve 50
may be made of any type of material or fabric that would cover the
center section 14 and the deformable end sections 16. The sleeve 50
can comprise separate sections covering each of the center section
14 and the deformable end sections 16, separate, but connected
sections covering the center section 14 and the deformable end
sections 16, or a single unitary sleeve covering all of the center
section 14 and the deformable end sections 16. It is contemplated
that the sleeve 50 may be waterproof, washable, made from a
decorative material consisting of multiple colors and/or designs,
and/or made from a material which is erasable to enable a child to
draw on the rod without permanently marking the fabric or material.
It is noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the connection
members 36 are connected to the sleeve 50. However, if a sleeve 50
is not used, the connection members 36 can be directly connected to
the center cushioning cover 26 of the resilient center section 14
and the cushioning cover end portions 34 of the end sections
16.
[0022] The illustrated deformable toy support member 10 is
configured to be removably attached to the infant supporting
element 22. The infant support element 22 is connected to the
deformable toy support member 10 by the connection members 36. The
infant supporting element 22 may comprise any number of items that
are used to support an infant, including, but not limited to a play
mat, bath tub, stroller, high chair, pack-and-play, crib, car seat,
bouncy seat, blanket, baby changer, doorway jumper, or activity
center. FIG. 4 illustrates one example of the infant supporting
element 22, wherein the infant supporting element 22 comprises a
play mat 84. It is contemplated that the mat 84 may be waterproof,
washable, made from a decorative material consisting of multiple
colors and/or designs to further add to the infant's entertainment,
and/or made from a material which is erasable to enable a child to
draw on the infant supporting element without permanently marking
the fabric or material. In the illustrated example, the mat 84 may
be collapsible in various locations to make the infant supporting
element 22 easier to transport and store. The mat 84 may comprise a
sheet of padded material 86 having a pair of side support poles 88.
The mat 84 includes a pair of opposite channels 90, with the poles
88 extending through the channels 90. Furthermore, the poles 88 may
be collapsible for assisting in storage and transportation of the
mat 84. For example, the poles 88 may include a first pole segment
88a and a second pole segment 88b, with the first pole segment 88a
including a narrow diameter end that is configured to slide within
the second pole segment 88b, thereby making the first pole segment
88a and the second pole segment 88b releasably connected.
Alternatively, the poles 88 may be able to be folded (e.g., via a
hinge).
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the deformable toy support member
10 is connected to the mat 84 by wrapping the flexible panel 40
about an outside of the pole 88, wrapping the flexible panel 40
under the bottom of the deformable end section 16, and inserting
the flexible panel 40 through an aperture 99 between the pole 88
and a side edge 101 of the channel 90. The deformable toy support
member 10 is then releasably connected to the mat 84 by connecting
the first part of the hook-and-loop type fastener of the connection
member 36 to the second part of the hook-and-loop type fastener of
the connection member 36.
[0024] While a hook-and-loop type fastener as illustrated as being
used in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flexible panel 40 could include any type
of fastener or connector. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the
deformable toy support member 10 could be connected to the infant
supporting element 22 using a connection member that is not
connected to the deformable toy support member 10. For example, the
end sections 16 could be inserted into sleeves of the infant
supporting element 22 to connect the deformable toy support member
10 to the infant supporting element 22.
[0025] In the illustrated example, the deformable toy support
member 10 is configured to have toys 20 connected thereto using at
least one toy attachment member 52. The deformable toy support
member 10 can include any number of toy attachment members 52. The
toy attachment members 52 can comprise any fastener and/or material
which would secure the toys 20 to the deformable toy support member
10. Examples of toy attachment members 52 may include, but are not
limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, suction cups, straps, eyelets,
snaps, buckles, ties, hooks, and various combinations thereof. The
toy attachment members 52 may be attached to one or more toys
20.
[0026] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the
deformable toy support member 10 includes three toy attachment
members 52, with each toy attachment member 52 comprising a strip
of fabric 54 having a hook-and-loop type fastener and being
attached at a first end 58 to the bar 12. A first part 60 of the
hook-and-loop fastener is positioned adjacent a second end 62 of
the strip of fabric 54 and a second part 56 of the hook-and-loop
fastener is positioned adjacent the first end 58 of the strip of
fabric 54 (e.g., on the strip of fabric 54 at the first end 58 or
on the bar adjacent the first end 58). As illustrated in FIG. 7,
the first part 60 and the second part 64 of the hook-and-loop
fastener are engaged to form a loop 70 for holding the toys 20. The
toys 20 can comprise any object of interest or potentially of
interest to the infant. For example, the toys 20 can be shapes
(e.g., triangle, star, circle, etc.), animals or any other item. In
the illustrated example, the toys 20 include a loop of material for
inserting into the loop 70 of the toy attachment member 52 to
connect the toys 20 to the toy attachment member 52, and thereby,
to the deformable toy support member 10. However, it is
contemplated that the toy attachment members 52 can be connected to
the toys 20 in any manner.
[0027] In a second embodiment of the toy attachment members 52, the
toy attachment members 52 comprise at least one piece of material
80 connected to the bar 12, with each piece of material 80 having
at least one eyelet 82 (e.g., formed using at least one circular
piece of metal or plastic having an open center). The toys 20 can
be connected to the deformable toy support member 10 by inserting a
member of the toys (e.g., a plastic loop) through the eyelets 82 as
is known to those skilled in the art.
[0028] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *