U.S. patent application number 13/611531 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for infant support structure with entertainment portion.
This patent application is currently assigned to MATTEL, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Goszewski. Invention is credited to Robert Goszewski.
Application Number | 20130072081 13/611531 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47881085 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130072081 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goszewski; Robert |
March 21, 2013 |
Infant Support Structure With Entertainment Portion
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an infant support
structure. In one embodiment, the infant support structure includes
a frame that has an activity portion or tray area that is located
proximate to a seat in which an infant can be placed. The seat is
rotatable so that the infant can view and play with different
elements in the activity portion. The infant support structure
includes an entertainment mechanism that has several movable
elements or components coupled to the frame. A drive mechanism is
connected to the movable elements and configured so that the drive
mechanism moves the movable elements when the drive mechanism is
activated. The infant support structure includes at least one input
mechanism or switch that can be activated by a child to provide the
input to activate the drive mechanism to move the movable
elements.
Inventors: |
Goszewski; Robert; (Depew,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goszewski; Robert |
Depew |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MATTEL, INC.
El Segundo
CA
|
Family ID: |
47881085 |
Appl. No.: |
13/611531 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61535651 |
Sep 16, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 13/107
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/71 |
International
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20060101
A47D015/00 |
Claims
1. An infant support structure, comprising: a frame including a
seat and an activity portion, the seat being configured to support
an infant within the frame and above a supporting surface, the
activity portion being located proximate to the seat; and an
entertainment mechanism coupled to the activity portion, the
entertainment portion includes an electronic drive mechanism and an
entertainment mechanism, the drive mechanism being actuated by an
infant in the seat.
2. The infant support structure of claim 1, wherein the
entertainment mechanism includes a movable element connected to the
drive mechanism and an input switch coupled to the movable element,
and the movement of the movable element by the infant actuates the
input switch and activates the drive mechanism.
3. The infant support structure of claim 2, wherein the movable
element is a first movable element, the entertainment mechanism
includes a second movable element, and when activated, the drive
mechanism causes the second movable element to move.
4. The infant support structure of claim 1, wherein the
entertainment mechanism includes several movable elements coupled
to the frame in the activity portion, and activation of the drive
mechanism causes each of the movable elements to move relative to
the frame.
5. The infant support structure of claim 2, wherein the seat is
rotatably mounted within the frame.
6. The infant support structure of claim 5, wherein the activity
portion includes an upper surface that surrounds the seat.
7. The infant support structure of claim 6, wherein the seat is
positioned above the supporting surface such that a child in the
seat can rotate the seat within the frame and with respect to the
activity portion and the upper surface.
8. The infant support structure of claim 2, wherein the drive
mechanism includes a motor and an output shaft, the motor being
actuated by the input switch connected to the moveable element.
9. The infant support structure of claim 3, wherein the drive
mechanism includes a motor, an output shaft, and a pulley, wherein
the motor is actuated by the input switch connected to the moveable
element and the pulley drives the movement of the second movable
element.
10. The infant support structure of claim 3, wherein the drive
mechanism includes a motor, an output shaft, and at least one gear,
wherein the motor is actuated by the input switch connected to the
moveable element and the at least one gear drives the movement of
the second movable element.
11. An infant support structure, comprising: a frame including a
seat and an activity portion, the seat being configured to support
an infant within the frame and above a supporting surface, the
activity portion including an upper surface which surrounds the
seat; and an entertainment mechanism coupled to the activity
portion, the entertainment portion includes an electronic drive
mechanism and an entertainment mechanism, the drive mechanism being
actuated by an infant in the seat.
12. The infant support structure of claim 11, wherein the
entertainment mechanism includes a movable element operably coupled
to the upper surface and connected to the drive mechanism and an
input switch coupled to the movable element, and the movement of
the movable element by the infant actuates the input switch and
activates the drive mechanism.
13. The infant support structure of claim 12, wherein the movable
element is a first movable element, the entertainment mechanism
includes a second movable element also operably coupled to the
upper surface, and when activated, the drive mechanism causes the
second movable element to move.
14. The infant support structure of claim 11, wherein the
entertainment mechanism includes several movable elements operably
coupled to the upper surface, and activation of the drive mechanism
causes each of the movable elements to move relative to the
frame.
15. The infant support structure of claim 11, wherein the seat is
rotatably mounted within the frame.
16. The infant support structure of claim 11, wherein the seat is
positioned above the supporting surface such that a child in the
seat can rotate the seat within the frame and with respect to the
activity portion.
17. The infant support structure of claim 12, wherein the drive
mechanism includes a motor and an output shaft, the motor being
actuated by the input switch connected to the moveable element.
18. The infant support structure of claim 13, wherein the drive
mechanism includes a motor, an output shaft, and a pulley, wherein
the motor is actuated by the input switch connected to the moveable
element and the pulley drives the movement of the second movable
element.
19. The infant support structure of claim 13, wherein the drive
mechanism includes a motor, an output shaft, and at least one gear,
wherein the motor is actuated by the input switch connected to the
moveable element and the at least one gear drives the movement of
the second movable element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35
U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/535,651,
entitled "Infant Support Structure with Entertainment Portion",
filed Sep. 16, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an infant support structure
and, in particular, to an infant support structure that includes an
entertainment portion or mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Infant support structures are used to support an infant or
child. Typically, infant support structures include a frame and a
seat or support portion on or in which the infant or child can be
placed. Many conventional infant support structures do not include
any entertainment objects or elements that can provide amusement or
entertainment or interaction for the child on the support
structure. In addition, conventional infant support structures lack
entertainment objects that produce an output in response to
actuation or engagement by the child.
[0004] Thus, it is desirable to provide an infant support structure
that includes an entertainment portion that is actuated in response
to input from a child, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the child
on the support structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to an infant support
structure. In one embodiment, the infant support structure includes
a frame that has an activity portion or tray area that is located
proximate to a seat in which an infant can be placed. The seat is
rotatable so that the infant can view and play with different
elements in the activity portion. The infant support structure
includes an entertainment mechanism that has several movable
elements or components coupled to the frame. A drive mechanism is
connected to the movable elements and configured so that the drive
mechanism moves the movable elements when the drive mechanism is
activated. The infant support structure includes at least one input
mechanism or switch that can be activated by a child to provide the
input to activate the drive mechanism to move the movable
elements.
[0006] In one embodiment, an infant support structure, comprises a
frame including a seat and an activity portion, the seat being
configured to support an infant, the activity portion being located
proximate to the seat; and an entertainment mechanism coupled to
the activity portion, the entertainment portion includes a drive
mechanism and an entertainment mechanism, the drive mechanism being
actuated by an infant in the seat.
[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the entertainment mechanism
includes a movable element connected to the drive mechanism and an
input switch coupled to the movable element, and the movement of
the movable element by the infant actuates the input switch and
activates the drive mechanism.
[0008] In another embodiment, the movable element is a first
movable element, the entertainment mechanism includes a second
movable element, and when activated, the drive mechanism causes the
second movable element to move.
[0009] In another embodiment, the entertainment mechanism includes
several movable elements coupled to the frame in the activity
portion, and activation of the drive mechanism causes each of the
movable elements to move relative to the frame.
[0010] In one embodiment, some of the movable elements are
connected to each other via transmission mechanisms, such as
endless belts, and pulleys.
[0011] In another embodiment, some of the movable elements are
connected to each other via teeth on gears.
[0012] In another embodiment, the seat of the infant support
structure includes a set of teeth and the movement mechanism
connected to the movable elements of the entertainment mechanism is
engaged with the teeth of the seat. In this configuration, rotation
of the seat by an infant causes rotation or other movement of the
movable elements relative to the frame.
[0013] In one embodiment, the activity portion is located around
the seat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an infant
support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate close-up perspective views of a
portion of the infant support structure illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a portion of the infant
support structure illustrated in FIG. 1, showing a portion of the
drive mechanism of the infant support structure.
[0017] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate close-up perspective views of
different parts of the drive mechanism illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of one of the
entertainment elements of the infant support structure illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up side view of a portion of the
entertainment element illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates another close-up perspective view of part
of the drive mechanism illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit of the
infant support structure illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of an infant support structure in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like
elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The terms "entertainment object," "entertainment element,"
"entertainment component," "movable object," "movable element," and
"play items" are used interchangeably herein to refer to an object
that can move, generate an output (whether visual or audible), be
engaged by a child, and/or otherwise provide entertainment for a
child. The terms "child" and "infant" are used interchangeably
herein as well. The term "infant support structure" is used to
refer to any frame or structure that is used to support an infant
or child. For example, the infant support structure can be a swing,
a high chair, a booster, a bouncer, an entertainer, a walker, a
jumperoo, or other structure that can be used to support an infant
or child.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of an infant support
structure in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.
In this embodiment, the infant support structure 10 is an
entertainer structure that supports a child relative to a support
surface 5. The infant support structure 10 includes a frame 20 with
a frame or upper portion 22 and several legs that support the upper
portion 22 relative to the support surface 5. While only legs 24
and 26 are shown in the view illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame 20
includes three or more legs. The upper portion 22 can be referred
to alternatively as an activity or entertainment portion or
activity surface as well. In addition, the upper portion 22 may
have a tray shaped configuration.
[0026] The frame 20 includes a seat 32 that is supported by the
upper portion 22. In one embodiment, the seat 32 is rotatably
mounted on the upper portion 22 so that a child located in the
receptacle 34 of the seat 32 can pivot or rotate the seat 32
relative to the rest of the frame 20. As a result, the child in the
seat 32 can turn and change the part of the upper portion 22 that
is in front of the child.
[0027] In this embodiment, the upper portion 22 has an upper
surface or side 30 that has several play items or components
coupled thereto with which a child can play. Referring to FIG. 1,
play items 50 and 52 include mechanical parts that can be slid,
rotated, twisted, and/or otherwise moved relative to the upper
surface 30.
[0028] In addition, the infant support structure 10 includes an
entertainment portion or section 100 that has several different
portions or components that move relative to the activity surface
22. Referring to FIG. 2, a close-up perspective view of the
entertainment portion 100 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the
entertainment portion 100 includes a cover 102, with arms 104 and
106, that is mounted to the upper portion 22 of the frame 20.
Proximate to the cover 102 are mechanisms 200, 300, and 400, which
are described in detail below. The upper portion 22 also includes
openings 111 and 113 in which switches 110 and 112 are located,
respectively. The switches 110 and 112 are used to control the
operation of the components of the entertainment portion 100, such
as the mode of operation, powering up the device, and/or adjusting
the volume.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, another perspective view of the
entertainment portion 100 is illustrated. Mechanism 200 includes a
platform 210 that is mounted in an opening 36 formed in activity
portion 22. The platform 210 rotates about a vertical axis.
Proximate to the platform 210 is a housing 202 that is supported on
the activity portion 22. A plate 220 is coupled to the housing 202
and mounted for rotation relative thereto. The plate 220 rotates
about a substantially horizontal axis. In this embodiment, the
plate 220 has several elements 222, 224, and 226 mounted thereon.
Each of the elements 222, 224, and 226 is coupled to the plate 220
by a connector that is offset from the center of gravity of the
particular element, which results in the elements 222, 224, and 226
spinning or rotating as the plate 220 rotates and the relative
positions of the elements 222, 224, and 226 move.
[0030] Mechanism 300 includes a platform 310 that is rotatably
mounted in another opening 38 in the activity portion 22. A stand
or wall 320 is mounted on the platform 310. In addition, toy
figures 330 and 340 are coupled to the platform 310 as well and are
located on opposite sides of the wall 320. As the platform 310
spins or rotates about a vertical axis, the toy figures 330 and 340
are alternately visible to the child in the seat 32.
[0031] Mechanism 400 includes a housing 410 that is coupled to the
activity portion 22. The housing 410 has an upper surface 412 with
openings 414 and 416 formed therein. Mechanism 400 includes objects
or figures 420 and 422 that are mounted in the openings 414 and 416
are movable relative to the housing 410. As described in detail
below, the objects 420 and 422 move up and down in an alternating
manner.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, a bottom view of a portion of the
infant support structure 100 is illustrated. The lower side of the
activity portion 22 is illustrated as well as the seat 32. Located
beneath the activity portion 22 is a drive mechanism 500 that
drives or moves the movable portions or components of the different
mechanisms 200, 300, and 400 illustrated in FIG. 3. The drive
mechanism 500 is actuated or activated when a switch of the
electronic system of the infant support structure 10 is closed. The
infant support structure 10 includes several input switches on the
activity portion 22. Each of the input switches are coupled to
components or elements on the activity portion 22 such that when a
child bats at or contacts a component or element, the corresponding
input switch is closed and a motor of the drive mechanism 500 is
activated.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, several components of the drive
mechanism 500 are illustrated. In this embodiment, the drive
mechanism 500 includes a motor 510 (see FIG. 5) that is connected
to an electrical system that includes a power source, such as one
or more batteries. The electrical system includes the input
switches referenced above and a controller that controls the
functioning of the components of the system. The motor 510 has an
output shaft to which a pulley 520 is coupled. As the motor 510 is
operated, it rotates the output shaft and the pulley 520. A plate
512 (see FIG. 5) is coupled to the upper portion 22 via several
connectors 513. The motor 510 is coupled to the upper portion 22
via the plate 512.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, another pulley 524 is mounted for
rotation on a shaft that is coupled to the upper portion 22. In
addition, another pulley 522 is coupled to the shaft 525 for
rotation about an axis defined by the shaft 525. A transmission
mechanism 530, such as an endless belt, is placed in a groove of
pulley 520 and a groove of pulley 522. As pulley 520 is rotated by
the motor 510, the rotation of the pulley 520 is transmitted to
pulley 522 via the belt 530. In an alternative embodiment, the
transmission of the rotation of pulley 520 to pulley 522 can be
accomplished via a set of gears.
[0035] Pulley 524 is connected to pulley 522 such that the pulleys
522 and 524 rotate at the same time. Referring to FIG. 6, a
transmission mechanism 532, such as a belt, transfers the rotation
of pulley 524 into rotation of a gear 230 that is rotatably mounted
to the portion 22. The belt 532 is located in a groove in pulley
524 and a groove in gear 230. As shown, gear 230 includes a set of
teeth 232 formed along its perimeter. As pulley 524 rotates, gear
230 also rotates via belt 532.
[0036] Referring back to FIG. 4, gear 230 is located beneath
mechanism 200. Gear 230 is coupled to the platform 210 of mechanism
200 so that as gear 230 rotates, platform 210 also rotates. As
shown, gear 230 includes a pulley 240 coupled thereto and rotatable
therewith. The gear 230 and the pulley 240 are mounted for rotation
about the axle 245 which defines an axis of rotation. Pulley 240
includes a groove formed therein in which a transmission mechanism
or belt 534 is engaged.
[0037] Located beneath mechanism 300 is a lower plate 350 and a
pulley 360 that is coupled or connected to platform 310. The pulley
360 is mounted for rotation about axle 365 and includes a groove in
which belt 534 is engaged. As pulley 240 rotates, the belt 534
rotates and causes pulley 360 to rotate as well, which imparts
rotation to platform 310 about the axis defined by axle 365.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, the activity portion 22 has an opening
through which a gear 250 with teeth 252 extends. The gears 230 and
250 are mounted perpendicularly to each other and the meshing or
engagement of teeth 232 with teeth 252 cause gear 250 to rotate as
gear 230 rotates.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, some of the components of
mechanism 200 are illustrated. The housing 202 includes housing
portions 260 and 262 that are coupled together via connectors that
are used with posts 268 and sleeves 269 sized to receive the posts
268. Housing portion 260 includes a pair of posts 264 and 266 that
are sized to be inserted into openings formed in the activity
portion 22 of the infant support structure 100.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, several elements are located between the
housing portions 260 and 262. Arm 104 of the cover 102 includes an
end portion 108 that is captured between the housing portions 260
and 262. When the housing 202 is coupled to the activity portion
22, the arm 104 is coupled to the activity portion 22 via the
housing 202. Also located between the housing portions 260 and 262
is the gear 250 with teeth 252 that is mounted for rotation about
connector 255. Gear 250 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as being engaged
with gear 230 via teeth 232 and 252. Also coupled to housing 202 is
a pulley 270 that is mounted via a connector 272 about which it
rotates.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 8, a close-up side view of some of the
components illustrated in FIG. 7 is illustrated. As shown, gear 250
includes a pulley 254 coupled thereto. A transmission mechanism or
belt 274 is engaged with a groove formed in pulley 254 and a groove
formed in pulley 270. As gear 250 is rotated by gear 230, pulley
254 simultaneously rotates and the belt 274 causes pulley 270 to
rotate as well relative to housing portion 262. The pulley 270 is
operably connected to plate 220 such that rotation of the pulley
270 results in rotation of the plate 220.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 9, some additional components of the drive
mechanism 500 are illustrated. As shown, the lower plate 350
includes openings 352 and 354 formed therein. As visible through
opening 352, the platform 310 includes a flange portion 312 that
has an edge 314. In one embodiment, the length of the flange
portion 312 varies, which results in the edge 314 having an
undulating shape or pattern. Opening 354 also permits access to the
flange portion 312 of the platform 310 as well.
[0043] The drive mechanism 500 also includes a lever 370 that is
pivotally mounted to the activity portion 22. The lever 370
includes a pair of arms 372 that is engaged with a pair of slots or
notches 368 formed in side walls 366. The lever 370 is mounted for
movement relative to the activity portion 22 about the arms 372.
The lever 370 has opposite ends as well. One end 371 of the lever
370 is located in the opening 354 and is in engagement or contact
with the flange portion 312 of the platform 310. As the shape of
the flange portion 312 varies, the lever end 371 in engagement
therewith moves, thereby causing the lever 370 to pivot about the
arms 372. At the opposite end of the lever 370 is a bar 374 that
extends outwardly.
[0044] Another lever 380 is pivotally mounted to the activity
portion 22. This lever 380 includes a pair of arms 386 that are
engaged with notches 369 formed in walls 367. The arms 386 define a
pivot axis about which the lever 380 pivots. Lever 380 includes an
engagement portion 382 that defines a passageway 384 into which an
end of arm 374 is located. As lever 370 pivots about its pivot
axis, the engagement of arm 374 with portion 382 causes lever 380
to pivot about its pivot axis. The lever 380 also includes a post
388 extending therefrom on which a biasing mechanism 385, such as a
spring, is mounted.
[0045] When a lower housing portion (not shown) of the activity
portion 22 is coupled to the upper housing portion (shown in FIG.
9), the components of the drive mechanism 500 are located in the
interior region or cavity defined by the housing portions of the
activity portion 22. In addition, the biasing mechanism 385 is
engaged with the lower housing portion, which imparts a bias to
lever 380 as well. Lever 380 includes actuating portions 390 and
392 that extend upwardly through openings 37 and 39 in activity
portion 22, respectively, and engage objects 420 and 422 of the
mechanism 400. As the lever 380 pivots, corresponding up and down
motion is imparted to objects 420 and 422 as well.
[0046] The various movements of the components of the drive
mechanism 500 are illustrated in FIG. 9. As the platform 310
rotates along the direction of arrow "A," the edge 314 presses
against the lever end 371 that is in notch 354 and biased into
engagement with edge 314 by spring 385, as discussed above. When a
portion of the flange 312 with a larger dimension engages the lever
end 371, the lever end 371 moves along the direction of arrow "B."
As a result, the lever 370 pivots about its pivot axis along the
direction of arrow "C" and the connection between lever 370 and
lever 380 moves along the direction of arrow "D." This movement
causes lever 380 to pivot about its pivot axis along the direction
of arrow "E" against the force of biasing spring 385. As lever 380
pivots along arrow "E," actuating portion 390 coupled to object 422
moves object 422 up and actuating portion 392 moves object 420
down.
[0047] When the portion of the flange 312 in engagement with the
lever end 371 is smaller, end 354 moves along the direction of
arrow "F," in part due to the force from biasing member 385. In
particular, biasing member 385 biases lever 380 along the direction
of arrow "I," which causes the connection between levers 370 and
380 to move along the direction of arrow "H." As a result, lever
370 moves along the direction of arrow "G," which is permitted by
the change in the dimension of the flange 312 with which the lever
end 371 is engaged.
[0048] Thus, the platform 310 is continuously rotated as the motor
510 is driven. As the platform 310 rotates, the edge 314 in contact
with lever 371 varies, which results in levers 370 and 380 moving
in a see-saw manner due to the biasing force of spring 385. This
movement results in the objects 420 and 422 moving up and down
alternately as well.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 10, a schematic diagram of an embodiment
of a circuit for the electronic system of the infant support
structure 10 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the circuit 600
includes a controller 602 that is connected to the motor 510, an
output device 630, such as a speaker, and several switches. In this
embodiment, the electronic system includes a slide switch 618 that
is used to select a mode of operation for the system. Another
switch 620 is used to power the electronic system and for control
of the volume.
[0050] In addition, the electronic system includes several input
switches 610, 612, 614, and 616 that are connected or coupled to
various elements on the activity surface 22 with which a child can
play and contact. In this embodiment, some of the elements include
a forest or tree, a pond, a dog house, and a car. Each of the
switches 610, 612, 614, and 616 is a push switch that is closed
when the child engages and moves the corresponding element, such as
a portion of or an object relative to the forest, the pond, the dog
house, or the car. When the child moves an object, such as by
swatting, slapping, hitting, moving, pushing, pulling, spinning,
turning or otherwise engaging the object, the corresponding input
switch is closed and the electronic system is activated.
[0051] The activation of the electronic system results in the motor
510 being driven for a period of time. In one embodiment, the
activation of any of the switches 610, 612, 614, and 616 results in
the motor 510 being driven for a predetermined period of time, such
as 30 seconds. As the motor is activated, the drive mechanism 500
moves the movable portions of the entertainment mechanisms 200,
300, and 400 as described above. In another embodiment, the length
of time that the motor 510 is driven after the actuation via an
input switch varies. For example, actuation via one of the switches
may result in a longer running time for the drive motor 510 than
actuation via another one of the switches.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of an infant
support structure according to the invention is illustrated. In
this embodiment, the infant support structure 700 includes a frame
710 that includes an activity surface or portion 720 and several
legs, such as legs 722 and 724, that support the activity portion
720 relative to a support surface. The frame 710 also includes a
seat 730 in which an infant or child, such as infant 732, can be
placed. The seat 730 is pivotally or rotatably mounted to the
activity portion 720. Accordingly, the infant 732 can turn and move
the seat 730 to face and play with a different portion of the
activity portion 720.
[0053] The activity portion 720 includes several different
mechanisms that are movably coupled to the activity portion 720.
Each of the mechanisms 740, 742, 744, 746, 748, and 750 is mounted
for rotation. Located in the activity portion 720 is a drive
mechanism similar to drive mechanism 500 described above. The drive
mechanism of the infant support structure 700 is connected to each
of the mechanisms 740, 742, 744, 746, 748, and 750 so that as the
drive mechanism is operated, each of the mechanisms 740, 742, 744,
746, 748, and 750 rotates as well.
[0054] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism of the infant
support structure 700 does not include a motor to impart motion to
the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is connected to the seat
730 by a gear arrangement that engages a set of teeth located on
the seat 730. As the seat 730 rotates, the seat 730 rotates an
input gear of the drive mechanism as well. The input gear is
connected to each of the gears and/or pulleys that are connected to
the mechanisms 740, 742, 744, 746, 748, and 750. Accordingly, as
the seat 730 rotates, each of the mechanisms 740, 742, 744, 746,
748, and 750 rotates as well. In one embodiment, the seat 730 is
rotatable in opposite directions and the direction in which the
seat 730 is rotated determines the direction of rotation of the
mechanisms 740, 742, 744, 746, 748, and 750.
[0055] Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and
described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it
is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown,
since various modifications and structural changes may be made
therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and
within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In
addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be
incorporated into another of the embodiments.
[0056] It is to be understood that terms such as "left," "right,"
"top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "side," "height," "length,"
"width," "upper," "lower," "interior," "exterior," "inner," "outer"
and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or
portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any
particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as
"first," "second," "third," etc., merely identify one of a number
of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed
herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular
configuration or orientation.
* * * * *