U.S. patent application number 13/934442 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for infant's entertainment apparatus and interactive device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mattel, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel J. Damon, Christine A. Drosendahl, Anthony Favorito, Kurt J. Huntsberger, Jared P. Pardi, John Thaddeus Smokowski, Maarten Van Huystee, Gary E. Weber, Chalin Yu.
Application Number | 20130292975 13/934442 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49882475 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130292975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yu; Chalin ; et al. |
November 7, 2013 |
Infant's Entertainment Apparatus and Interactive Device
Abstract
An infant entertainment apparatus includes a seat assembly
having multiple configurations. The seat is able to be configured
in a more reclined configuration for newborns and infants or a more
upright configuration for toddlers. The frame of the child's seat
structure may be split into a lower and upper frame, with the upper
frame rotating about the seat into different configurations. The
upper frame may contain a housing for a portable electronic device
that can be configured to multiple positions to provide
entertainment to an child in the seat structure via the portable
electronic device.
Inventors: |
Yu; Chalin; (Williamsville,
NY) ; Huntsberger; Kurt J.; (Arcade, NY) ; Van
Huystee; Maarten; (Lancaster, NY) ; Damon; Daniel
J.; (South Wales, NY) ; Drosendahl; Christine A.;
(East Aurora, NY) ; Favorito; Anthony; (Buffalo,
NY) ; Pardi; Jared P.; (Cheektowaga, NY) ;
Smokowski; John Thaddeus; (West Seneca, NY) ; Weber;
Gary E.; (Buffalo, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mattel, Inc. |
El Segundo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49882475 |
Appl. No.: |
13/934442 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13351811 |
Jan 17, 2012 |
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13934442 |
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61667653 |
Jul 3, 2012 |
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61783386 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61433622 |
Jan 18, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/188.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2011/002 20130101;
A47D 1/00 20130101; A47D 15/00 20130101; A45C 2011/001 20130101;
A63H 2200/00 20130101; A45C 2011/003 20130101; G06F 2200/1633
20130101; A45C 13/002 20130101; A47D 1/002 20130101; A45C 11/00
20130101; A63H 33/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/188.01 |
International
Class: |
A47D 15/00 20060101
A47D015/00 |
Claims
1. A child seat comprising: a base configured to engage a support
surface; a support frame coupled to the base; a child receiving
portion coupled to the support frame, the child receiving portion
being repositionable between a substantially reclined configuration
and a substantially upright configuration; and a housing for
removably receiving a portable electronic device, the housing being
coupled to the child seat whereby the position of the housing may
be adjusted with respect to the child receiving portion.
2. The child seat of claim 1, wherein the support frame is
rotatably connected to the base and configured to rotate about a
vertical axis with respect to the base.
3. The child seat of claim 1, wherein the support frame further
comprises: a lower support frame with a first end and a second end,
the first end being coupled to the base; and an upper support frame
with a first end and a second end, the first end of the upper
support frame being pivotally coupled to the second end of the
lower support frame.
4. The child seat of claim 3, wherein the housing is pivotally
coupled to the second end of the upper support frame.
5. The child seat of claim 1, wherein the child receiving portion
is repositionable in an intermediate configuration, in which the
child receiving portion is less upright than the substantially
upright configuration, and less reclined than the substantially
reclined configuration.
6. The child seat of claim 1, wherein the housing further
comprises: a transparent planar portion, wherein when the portable
electronic device is disposed within the housing, at least a
portion of a display of the portable electronic device is visible
through the transparent planar portion.
7. The child seat structure of claim 1, further comprising a plate
covering an actuation portion of the portable electronic
device.
8. The child seat structure of claim 7, wherein the portable
electronic device is disposable in the housing in a first
orientation where the actuation portion of the portable electronic
device is actuable by a user, and disposable in the housing in a
second orientation where the actuation portion of the portable
electronic device is blocked by the plate.
9. A child seat comprising: a base configured to engage a support
surface; a support frame rotatably coupled to the base and
configured to rotate about a vertical axis; a child receiving
portion rotatably coupled to the support frame, the child receiving
portion being configured to rotate about a horizontal axis and
being repositionable between at least two configurations; and a
housing for removably receiving a portable electronic device, the
housing including an aperture where a display for the portable
electronic device is visible when the portable electronic device is
disposed within the housing, the housing being coupled to the
support frame whereby the position of the housing may be adjusted
with respect to the child receiving portion.
10. The child seat of claim 9, wherein the child receiving portion
is repositionable between a first configuration, a second
configuration, and a third configuration, the first configuration
being substantially upright, the third configuration being
substantially reclined, and the second configuration being less
reclined than the third configuration and less upright than the
first configuration.
11. The child seat of claim 9, further comprising a plate covering
an actuation portion of the portable electronic device.
12. The child seat of claim 11, wherein the portable electronic
device is disposable in the housing in a first orientation where
the actuation portion of the portable electronic device is
actuable, and disposable in the housing in a second orientation
where the actuation portion of the portable electronic device is
blocked by the plate.
13. The child seat of claim 9, wherein the support frame further
comprises: a lower support frame with a first end and a second end,
the first end of the lower support frame being rotatably coupled to
the base and rotatable about a vertical axis; and an upper support
frame with a first end and a second end, the first end of the upper
support frame being pivotally coupled to the second end of the
lower support frame.
14. The child seat of claim 13, wherein the housing is pivotally
coupled to the second end of the upper support frame and configured
to pivot about a horizontal axis and a second axis perpendicular to
the horizontal axis.
15. A child seat comprising: a base configured to engage a support
surface; a support frame comprising: a lower support frame member
with a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the
base, and an upper support frame member with a first end and a
second end, the first end of the upper support frame member
pivotally coupled to the second end of the lower support frame
member; a child receiving portion coupled to the second end of the
lower support frame member, the child receiving portion being
configured to pivot with respect to the second end of the lower
support frame member; and a housing for removably receiving a
portable electronic device, the housing being moveably coupled to
the second end of the upper support frame member.
16. The child seat of claim 15, wherein the housing further
comprises: a tray configured to be disposed within the housing, the
tray including a first side and a second side, the first side of
the tray including a first base and first sidewall defining a first
recess configured for receiving a portable electronic device of a
first size, the second side of the tray including a second base and
a second sidewall defining a second recess configured for receiving
a portable electronic device of a second size, the first size being
larger than the second size.
17. The child seat of claim 16, wherein the first recess further
comprises a reflective surface disposed on the first base that is
displayed when an electronic device is not disposed in the first
recess.
18. The child seat of claim 15, wherein the child receiving portion
is repositionable between a first configuration, a second
configuration, and a third configuration, the first configuration
being substantially upright, the third configuration being
substantially reclined, and the second configuration being less
reclined than the third configuration and less upright than the
first configuration.
19. The child seat of claim 15, further comprising: a flexible seat
cover coupled to the child receiving portion.
20. The child seat of claim 15, wherein a first end of the support
frame is rotatably connected to the base and configured to rotate
about a vertical axis with respect to the base.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/667,653, entitled
"Infant's Entertainment Apparatus and Interactive Device", filed
Jul. 3, 2012, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/783,386, entitled "Infant's Entertainment Apparatus and
Interactive Device", filed Mar. 14, 2013, and is a
continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional
patent application Ser. No. 13/351,811, entitled "Protective Case
for Portable Electronic Device", filed Jan. 17, 2012, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/433,662, entitled
"Protective Case for Portable Electronic Device", filed Jan. 18,
2011, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an infant seat, and in
particular an infant seat that may be reconfigured between a
reclined configuration and an upright configuration, and may
contain a housing for a removable interactive electronic device
that is reconfigured into various entertaining configurations.
Additionally, the present invention relates to an infant gym, and
in particular an infant gym may be reconfigurable between a
deployed configuration and a storage configuration, and may contain
a housing for a removable interactive device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various infant support structures for supporting an infant
or child above a support surface are known, such as swings,
bassinets, bouncers, rockers, and child seats. Such support
structures provide an enjoyable and safe area for a child or
infant. Further, different support structures are used for children
at different ages and stages of development. When the child is an
infant, it is more desirable for the child to be in a reclined
configuration, where the child is laying in the support structure.
At other times, when the child is older and able to support his or
her own head and body, it is more desirable for the child to be in
a seat having a more upright configuration. Furthermore, parents
and care givers utilize various devices to entertain the child,
while keeping them occupied. Recently, a popular device used to
entertain children is a portable electronic device, such as an
Apple.RTM. iPad.RTM.. Portable electronic devices can be used in a
variety of ways to entertain a child, from allowing a child to
watch a movie to being used as an educational or play device.
[0004] As a result, parents and care givers often utilize various
types of such support structures as the child grows. Furthermore,
parents and care givers will utilize various other structures to
enable the portable electronic devices to entertain the child.
However, obtaining and maintaining a variety of support structures
may be expensive and cumbersome, given they are often expensive and
bulky. Moreover, it would be more desirable for parents and care
givers to obtain a support system that utilizes a portable
electronic device that can be used from a child's infant years
through their growth during the toddler years.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a support structure with a
reconfigurable seat that may be utilized in either a reclined
configuration or an upright (less-reclined) configuration. Further,
there is a need for seat that is efficient and easy to transition
between configurations. Moreover, there is a need for a support
structure that contains a reconfigurable housing for receiving a
portable electronic device.
[0006] In addition, a variety of infant gyms exist that provide and
enjoyable and safe structure for infants to use when lying or
playing on the floor. It is common for infant gyms to use a variety
of toys that may be colorful or provide simple motions and noises,
such as spinning, ratcheting, rattling, etc. Furthermore, some
infant gyms include lights and sound effects to provide
entertainment to the infant using the gym. The electronics in these
infant gyms are limited to the production model purchased. However,
as previously stated, a popular device used to entertain children
is a portable electronic device, such as an Apple.RTM. iPad.RTM. or
Apple.RTM. iPhone.RTM.. Portable electronic devices can be used in
a variety of ways to entertain a child, from allowing a child to
watch a movie to being used as an educational or play device.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an infant gym that contains a
reconfigurable housing for receiving a portable electronic
device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a reconfigurable seat
of a child's seat support structure. The seat may include a frame
having a lower portion and an upper portion. A housing for a
portable electronic device may be coupled to the upper portion. A
portable electronic device may be disposed within the housing and
configured to provide entertainment value to a child. The housing
is rotatably coupled to the upper frame portion, and is configured
to rotate about the upper frame portion. The seat may be rotatably
coupled to the frame at the connection of the upper frame portion
and the lower frame portion. The seat may be configured to rotate
about this connection between a more upright configuration and a
more reclined configuration. Moreover, the upper frame portion may
be configured to rotate about the connection to the lower frame
portion, enabling different positions for the housing for a
portable electronic device.
[0009] The present invention is directed to a child's seat
structure that contains a base configured to engage a support
surface, a support frame rotatably coupled to the base, which
includes a lower frame arm, and an upper frame arm pivotably
coupled to the lower frame arm, a seat rotatably coupled to the
support frame and configured to rotate between a more reclined
configuration and a more upright configuration, and an housing for
a portable electronic device that is rotatably coupled to the upper
frame arm, and is configured to rotate about the upper frame arm
and about an axis that is perpendicular to the upper frame arm.
[0010] In one embodiment, the seat further includes a tubular frame
that defines a receiving area for receiving a child. Furthermore,
the seat contains a seat cover attached to the tubular seat frame.
The seat also contains a restraint system configured to hold the
child within the seat.
[0011] In one embodiment, the housing for a portable electronic
device contains interactive members that extend from the housing.
Additionally, the support frame is configured to rotate about a
vertical axis. Furthermore, the upper frame arm may be configured
to rotate independent of the lower frame member about a horizontal
axis that is located at the connection of the upper frame arm and
the lower frame arm.
[0012] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a child's seat structure including a base that is configured to
engage a support surface, a mounting portion coupled to the base, a
support frame rotatably coupled to the mounting portion and
containing a lower frame arm with a first end rotatably coupled to
the mounting portion and a second end, a rotational coupler
connected to the second end of the lower frame arm, and an upper
frame arm with a first end pivotably coupled to the rotational
coupler and a second end, a seat rotatably coupled to the
rotational coupler of the support frame and being configured to
rotate between a reclined configuration and an upright
configuration, and a housing for a portable electronic device that
is rotatably coupled to the second end of the upper frame arm, and
being configured to rotate about the upper frame arm and about an
axis perpendicular to the upper frame arm.
[0013] In one embodiment, the seat further includes a tubular frame
that defines a receiving area for receiving a child. Additionally,
the seat includes a seat cover attached to the tubular seat frame.
Moreover, the seat contains a restraint system configured to hold
the child within the seat.
[0014] In one embodiment, the housing for a portable electronic
device contains a plurality of interactive members that extend from
the housing. Furthermore, the base has a substantially rectangular
shape with the mounting portion centrally located on the base.
Finally, the upper frame arm may be configured to be positioned in
a top configuration, where the housing for a portable electronic
device is located above the seat, and an interactive configuration,
where the housing is located in front of the seat.
[0015] In another embodiment, a child's seat structure contains a
base configured to engage a support surface, a mounting portion
that is coupled to the base, a support frame that is rotatably
coupled to the mounting portion and includes a lower frame arm and
an upper frame arm pivotably coupled to the lower frame arm, a seat
that is rotatably coupled to the support frame and configurable
between a more reclined configuration and a more upright
configuration that contains a tubular seat frame defining the
seating area, and a seat cover removably coupled to the tubular
seat frame, and an housing for a portable electronic device that is
rotatably coupled to the upper frame arm and is configured to
rotate about the upper frame arm and about an axis perpendicular to
the upper frame arm.
[0016] In one embodiment, seat further includes a restraint system
configured to hold the child within the seat. Furthermore, the
housing for a portable electronic device contains interactive
members that extend outwardly. Moreover, the support frame contains
a coupler mechanism rotatably coupling the lower frame arm and the
upper frame arm. Additionally, the seat is rotatably attached to
the coupler, which enables the seat to move between the reclined
and upright configurations. Finally, the upper frame arm is
configured to be positioned between a top configuration, where the
housing for a portable electronic device is located above the seat,
and an interactive configuration, where the housing is located in
front of the seat.
[0017] The present invention is also directed to a reconfigurable
infant gym. The gym may include a first arcuate member and a second
arcuate member pivotally coupled together. A housing for a portable
electronic device may be coupled to the second arcuate member. A
portable electronic device may be disposed within the housing and
configured to provide entertainment value to a child. The housing
may contain an insert to receive the portable electronic device.
The insert may be inserted into the housing in two configurations,
one displaying the portable electronic device and the other
displaying a mirror.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a child's
seat apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention,
the apparatus being in a reclined configuration and the housing for
a portable electronic device being in a top configuration;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the apparatus
of FIG. 1 with the apparatus in a more upright configuration and
the housing for a portable electronic device arm in the interactive
configuration;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a seat of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 with the apparatus in the more upright
configuration and the housing for a portable electronic device
rotated upward on the housing for a portable electronic device arm
in the interactive configuration;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a seat of the
apparatus of FIG. 1 with the apparatus in the more upright
configuration and the housing for a portable electronic device and
the housing arm in another interactive configuration;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary
housing for a portable electronic device of the apparatus of FIG. 1
with a tray removed from the rear of the housing;
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the
housing of FIG. 5 with the tray placed within the rear of the
housing;
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment
of the tray of FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a first side of a
second embodiment of a tray for a portable electronic device of the
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 8a illustrates a perspective view of a second side of
the tray of FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a second embodiment
of the housing for a portable electronic device of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 with the tray of FIG. 8 in a first configuration;
[0028] FIG. 9a illustrates an exploded view of the housing of FIG.
9 with the tray of FIG. 8 in a second configuration.
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of an infant
gym according to an embodiment of the present invention, the gym
being in a deployed configuration.
[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of the infant
gym of FIG. 10, the gym being in a storage configuration.
[0031] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the tray of the
infant gym of FIG. 10.
[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the housing of the
infant gym of FIG. 10, the housing retaining the tray in the minor
to front display configuration.
[0033] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear view of the housing of the infant
gym of FIG. 10, the housing retaining the tray in the portable
electronic device to front display configuration.
[0034] Like reference numerals have been used to identify like
elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] This application incorporates herein by reference, in its
entirety, the disclosure of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser.
No. 13/351,811, entitled "Protective Case for Portable Electronic
Device", filed Jan. 17, 2012.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, illustrated is one embodiment of a
child's seat structure 100. The child's seat structure 100 contains
a base 200, a frame support 400, a seat 500, and a housing 600 for
a portable electronic device. Moreover, the seat 100 may be
configured in three different configurations depending on the size
and age of the child. In other embodiments, the seat may be
configured in more than three configurations.
[0037] The base 200 of the child's seat structure 100 may be in a
substantially rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the base may
be shaped differently, such as a circle or an octagon. Furthermore,
the base 200 contains a tubular member that forms the substantially
rectangular shape. The base 200 has a front 210, a back 220, and
side 230 and 240. The sides 230 and 240 are connected by the front
210 and the back 220. Furthermore, connecting the sides 230 and 240
is a horizontal support 250 that stretches across the middle of the
base 200. The horizontal support 250 provides additional stability
to the base 200. In other embodiments of the base 200, the base 200
may comprise of a base constructed of one unitary structure, rather
than a tubular member and horizontal support member. Furthermore,
the base 200 may also comprise of a plurality of legs extending
from a central base connection.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 2, connected to the top of the
horizontal support 250 is the mounting portion 300. In other
embodiments of the child's seat structure 100, where the base 200
may comprise of plurality of legs extending from a central
connection, a mounting portion 300 may be positioned on the central
connection of the legs. In this embodiment, the mounting portion
300 contains a lower portion 310 and an upper portion 320. The
lower portion 310 is attached to the horizontal support 250. The
upper portion 320 is rotatably coupled to the lower portion 310 and
configured to rotate 360 degrees about a vertical axis.
[0039] A frame support 400 is connected to the mounting portion
300. In this embodiment, the frame support 400 consists of a single
lower frame member 410 and a single upper frame member 420. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the lower frame member 410 contains a first
end 412 and a second end 414. The second end 414 of the lower frame
member 410 is connected to the upper portion 320 of the mounting
portion 300. Therefore, when the upper portion 320 of the mounting
portion 300 rotates about a vertical axis, the lower frame member
410 also rotates about a vertical axis.
[0040] Furthermore, the upper frame member 420 contains a first end
422 and a second end 424. As illustrated, connecting the first end
422 of the upper frame member 420 to the first end 412 of the lower
frame member 410 is swivel connection 430. The lower frame member
410 extends from the mounting portion 300 around the side of the
child's seat structure 100 to the swivel connection 430. The swivel
connection 430 enables the upper frame member 420 to rotate about a
horizontal axis that passes through the swivel connection 430
independent of the lower frame member 410. Moreover, attached to
the second end 424 of the upper frame member 420 is the housing 600
for a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the upper
frame member 420 is capable of telescoping between varying
lengths.
[0041] As illustrated, the housing 600 for a portable electronic
device is connected to the second end 424 of the upper frame member
420 and is configured to house a portable electronic device 620. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the housing 600 contains front
surface 602 and a back surface 604. The back 604 of the housing 600
rotatably connects to the upper frame member 420. Furthermore, the
housing 600 may be configured to rotate about two different axes,
where the housing 600 may rotate about the upper frame arm 420 and
about an axis that intersects the upper frame member 420. The
housing 600 for a portable electronic device may contain a
plurality of the interactive member 610 that extend from the front
602 of the housing 600. The interactive members 610 are resiliently
connected to the front 602 of the housing 600, and are capable of
moving back and forth. In some embodiments, the electronic device
620 includes software that is programmed to detect movement of the
interactive members 610 through movement detected by accelerometers
within the electronic device 620. The front 602 of the housing 600
additionally contains a viewing area with a transparent planar
portion 606 that is used to view the portable electronic device 620
placed within the housing 600. Moreover, the housing 600 may
contain an electronic connection (such as through the headphone
jack or other connector (wired or wireless) on the portable
electronic device 620) that interacts with the portable electronic
device 620. Therefore, when the interactive members 610 are moved
or touched by a user, the portable electronic device 620 is
activated to produce sounds and interact with the image on the
screen of the portable electronic device 620.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in one embodiment of the housing
600, the back surface 604 consists of a tray 640 configured for
receiving the electronic device 620 and an aperture 630 configured
for receiving the tray 640, so that the electronic device 620 is
disposed within a cavity 641 (shown in FIG. 6).
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in one embodiment, a tray 640
includes one or more resilient members 644a, 644b, 644c, 644d
extending outwardly from the base 642 and into the recess 646. The
resilient members 644a-644d extending from the base 642 are
compressible against a back face of the portable electronic device
620, so that a front face of the portable electronic device 620 is
biased away from the base 642 of the tray 640. The tray 640 may
further include one or more resilient members 648a, 648b, 648c,
648d extending outwardly from the sidewalls 650, 652 and end walls
654, 656 and into the recess 646. The resilient members 648a-648d
extending from the sidewalls 650, 652 and end walls 654, 656 are
compressible against opposing sides and/or ends of the electronic
device 620, so that the electronic device 620 is biased toward a
centered position within the recess 646 of the tray 640.
[0044] With continued reference to FIG. 7, in one implementation,
the tray 640 includes an overmold portion 658 which includes or
defines the resilient members 644a-644d and 648a-648d. The overmold
portion 658 substantially lines the recess 646 of the tray 640. The
overmold portion 658 may be co-molded with other components of the
tray 640, and, in the illustrated embodiment, is preferably not
removable from the tray 640.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 600 includes another
recess 660 defined by a base 662, opposing side walls 664, 666 and
opposing end walls 668, 670 that extend upwardly from the base 664,
forming an aperture 630 in the back surface 604 of the housing 600.
The recess 660 of the housing 600 is configured to receive the tray
640 (as shown in FIG. 5), thereby creating the cavity 641 (shown in
FIG. 6) between the base 642 of the tray 640 and the base 662 of
the housing 600. The electronic device 620 is releasably retainable
within the cavity 641.
[0046] The base 662 of the housing 600 includes or defines the
transparent planar portion 606 through which the display of the
electronic device 620 is visible (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). When
the electronic device 620 is disposed within the cavity 641 between
the base 642 of the tray 640 and the base 662 of the housing 600, a
portion of the front face and the display of the electronic device
620 is visible and actuable through the transparent planar portion
606. In some embodiments, the transparent planar portion 606
creates a seal for the viewing area of the housing 600. The
transparent planar portion 606, with its seal, protects the
portable electronic device 620 within the housing 600 from any
liquids or potential contaminants that the child using the seat
structure 100 may come in contact with. Conversely, the seal of the
transparent planar portion 606 separates the child using the seat
structure 100 from the electronic device 620.
[0047] Note that the housing for a portable electronic device
depicted in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 is merely exemplary and many other
types of housings for a portable electronic devices are
contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.
[0048] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the tray 640 is releasably
lockable to the main aperture 630 of the housing 600 via a latch
mechanism 680. In one embodiment, the latch mechanism 680 is
coupled to the outer surface 672 of the base 642 of the tray 640
via the cover 676. The latch mechanism 680 includes a movable
member 682 rotatable relative to the base 642 of the tray 640. The
movable member 682 includes a flange 684 extending outwardly from
the movable member 682, and receivable in a corresponding receiving
portion, such as a slot (as shown in FIG. 6) disposed in the end
wall 670 of the recess 660 of the housing 600. The flange 684 is
movable between a locked position extending outwardly from the end
wall 656 of the tray 640, and an unlocked position recessed from
the end wall 656 of the tray 640. The opposing end wall 654 of the
tray 640 includes a fixed flange 686 extending outwardly
therefrom.
[0049] When inserting the tray 640 into the recess 660 of the
housing 600 (as shown in FIG. 5), the fixed flange 686 is received
in a receiving area, such as a slot (as shown in FIG. 6) disposed
in the end wall 668 of the aperture 630 of the housing 600. The
flange 684 of the latch mechanism 680 is disposed in its unlocked
position, so that the tray 640 may then be pivoted downwardly until
fully seated within the recess 660 of the housing 600. The flange
684 is then pivoted to its locked position within the slot in the
other end wall 670 of the aperture 630 of the housing 600. In this
way, the tray 640 may be releasably locked within the recess 660 of
the housing 600. In one embodiment, the flange 684 is movable about
90.degree. (e.g. a 1/4 turn lock) from its unlocked position to its
locked position. The movable member 682 includes a slot 688 for
receiving a tool (e.g. a coin or screwdriver) to permit rotation
thereof (and thus rotation of the flange 684).
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 8a, illustrated is a second
embodiment of a tray 700 configured to fit within the housing 600.
In this embodiment, the tray 700 includes a first side 710 and a
second side 730. The first side 710, illustrated in FIG. 8,
includes a recess 728 defined by a base 712, sidewalls 718, 720,
and end walls 716, 722. The recess 728 on the first side 710 is
configured to receive or retain a larger portable electronic device
620 (shown in FIG. 9), such as an iPad or other portable tablet.
Furthermore, one or more resilient members 714a, 714b, 714c, 714d
extend outwardly from the base 712 and into the recess 728. The
resilient members 714a-714d extending from the base 712 are
compressible against a back face of the portable electronic device
620, so that a front face of the portable electronic device 620 is
biased away from the base 712 of the tray 700. The tray 700 may
further include one or more resilient members 724a, 724b, 724c,
724d, 724e, 724f, 724g, 724h extending outwardly from the sidewalls
718, 720 and end walls 716, 722 and into the recess 728. The
resilient members 724a-724h extending from the sidewalls 718, 720
and end walls 716, 722 are compressible against opposing sides
and/or ends of the electronic device 620, so that the electronic
device 620 is biased toward a centered position within the recess
728 of the tray 700.
[0051] Continuing with FIG. 8a, illustrated is the second side 730
of an embodiment of the tray 700. The second side 730 includes a
recess 746 defined by a base 732, sidewalls 738, 740, and end walls
736, 742. Moreover, the base 732, sidewalls 738, 740, and end walls
736, 742 define a recess 746 configured to receive or retain a
smaller portable electronic device 620 (shown in FIG. 9a), such as
an iPhone or other smartphone. The recess 746 is positioned
substantially in the center of the second side 730 of this
embodiment of the tray 700. Furthermore, one or more resilient
members 734a, 734b, 734c, 734d extend outwardly from the base 732
and into the recess 746. The resilient members 734a-734d extending
from the base 732 are compressible against a back face of the
smaller portable electronic device 620, so that a front face of the
portable electronic device 620 is biased away from the base 732 of
the tray 700. The second side 730 of tray 700 may further include
one or more resilient members 744a, 744b, 744c, 744d that extend
outwardly from the sidewalls 738, 740 and end walls 736, 742 and
into the recess 746. The resilient members 744a-744d extending from
the sidewalls 738, 740 and end walls 736, 742 are compressible
against opposing sides and/or ends of the smaller electronic device
620, so that the electronic device 620 is biased toward a centered
position within the recess 746 of the tray 700.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 9a, illustrated are exploded views
of the housing 600, the tray 700, and an electronic device 620,
illustrating how the tray 700 fits between the front 602 and back
604 of the housing 600. As illustrated in both figures, the tray
700 is configured as an insert that is retained within the housing
600 between the front 602 and the back 604 of the housing 600 when
the front 602 and the back 604 are connected to one another. FIG. 9
illustrates the tray 700 with the first side 710 positioned to face
the front 602 of the housing 600. Furthermore, with the first side
710 facing the front 602 of the housing, an infant in the seat 500
can interact with either the mirror 726 of the tray 700 or a
portable electronic device 620, if a portable electronic device 620
is inserted into the tray 700. As stated previously, the first side
710 of the tray 700 is configured to retain a larger portable
electronic device 620, like that illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0053] Turning to FIG. 9a, illustrated is the tray 700 with the
second side 730 positioned to face the front 602 of the housing
600. Furthermore, with the second side 730 facing the front 602 of
the housing, an infant in the seat 500 can interact with a portable
electronic device 620. As stated previously, the second side 730 of
the tray 700 is configured to retain a smaller portable electronic
device 620, like the smartphone illustrated in FIG. 9. The tray 700
in this embodiment, with the recess 728 on the first side 710 and
the recess 746 on the second side 730, provides parents and care
givers with the choice of the type of portable electronic device
620 with which to entertain their children in the child's seat
structure 100.
[0054] In other embodiments, the support frame 400 may contain a
lower frame member 410 that contains two arms that extend from the
mounting portion 300 to both sides of the seat 500. In this
embodiment, there would be two swivel connections 430, one on the
end of each lower frame member 410. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the upper frame member 420 may contain two arms that
extend from the sides of the seat 500, forming an arch over the
seat 500. In other embodiments, a single upper frame member 420 may
extend from a swivel connection 430 on one side of the seat 500 to
another swivel connection 430 on the opposite side of the seat
500.
[0055] As illustrated, the seat 500 is attached to the frame 400 at
the swivel connection 430. The seat 500 contains a tubular seat
frame 510 that provides structure and support to the seat 500. The
tubular seat frame 510 connects to the swivel connection 430 at the
frame connection 540 (see FIG. 4), and is configured to rotate
about the swivel connection 430 so the seat 500 can be configured
between a more reclined configuration and a more upright
configuration. In this embodiment, the seat 500 has a substantially
oval shape that defines an area to receive a child, the shape being
defined by the tubular seat frame 510. In other embodiments, the
seat 500 may contain another shape, such as a circle or a
rectangle.
[0056] As illustrated, the seat 500 contains a seat cover 520 that
is attached to the tubular seat frame 510. The seat cover 520 may
be constructed from a soft durable material to prevent wear and
tear. Additionally, the seat cover 520 may be flexible and may be
removably attached to the tubular seat frame 510. This would allow
a parent or care giver to remove the seat cover 520 for cleaning.
Furthermore, the seat 500 may contain a three point restraint
system (not shown) or a five point restraint system (not shown) to
secure a child to the seat 500, preventing the child from falling
out of the seat 500.
[0057] Referring again to FIG. 1, illustrated is the child's seat
structure 100 in the newborn configuration "A." In this
configuration, the seat 500 is positioned in the most reclined
configuration and the upper frame member 420 is positioned above
the seat 500. Furthermore, the housing 600 for a portable
electronic device is rotated for the front 602 of the housing 600
to be facing downwardly at the seat 500. In configuration "A," a
newborn is able to lay in the seat 500 while being restrained
within the seat 500 by the restraint system (not shown). The
newborn is positioned to look upwards, without having to support
his/her head, at the housing 600 and the portable electronic device
620. The portable electronic device 620 may be configured to play a
program, video, or series of pictures designed to keep the child
entertained. Additionally, the portable electronic device 620
allows for parents to take pictures of their children in the seat
and video conference with their children when one of the parents is
out of town.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, illustrated is the child's seat
structure 100 in the infant configuration "B." In this
configuration, the seat 500 is rotated about the swivel connection
430 into a more upright configuration. Moreover, the upper frame
member 420 is rotated about the swivel connection 430 to be placed
in front of the seat 500. In some embodiments, when in
configuration "B," the upper frame member 420 may align vertically
with the front 210 of the base 200. The housing 600 for a portable
electronic device may be positioned on the upper frame member 420
so the front 602 of the housing 600 faces the infant in the seat
500.
[0059] Additionally, the infant is sitting in the seat 500 in an
upright manner, and is restrained to the seat 500 by a restraint
system (not shown). The upper support member 420 is configured to
place the housing 600 at a distance from the infant so the
interactive members 610 are within the reach of the infant, but the
electronic device 620 and housing 600 are not within the reach of
the infant. In configuration "B," the infant can interact with the
interactive members 610 by touching and batting the interactive
members 610. If the housing 620 is configured with an electronic
system that connects the housing 620 to the electronic device 620,
the movement of the interactive members 610 may create sounds or
change the display of the electronic device 620 that the infant is
facing. This interaction helps to promote both visual and motor
skills, providing the infant with an entertaining and educational
experience.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is the child's seat
structure 100 in the toddler configuration "C." In configuration
"C," the seat 500 is in a substantially upright configuration,
where the toddler within the seat 500 is sitting upright. The upper
frame member 420 is rotated about swivel connection 430 into a
position in front of the seat 500. Similar to configuration "B,"
the upper frame member 420 may align vertically with the front 210
of the base 200. The housing 600 for a portable electronic device
may be positioned on the upper frame member 420 so the front 602 of
the housing 600 is positioned to face the toddler in the seat 500.
Configuration "C" differs from configuration "B" in that the
housing 600 is oriented more as an inclined surface or drawing
surface, than purely as a viewing screen. In configuration "C," the
toddler may interact with the interactive members 610 and the
screen and buttons on the electronic device 620 positioned within
the housing 600.
[0061] As stated previously, if the housing 600 is configured with
an electronic system that connects the housing 600 to the
electronic device 620, the movement of the interactive members 610
may create sounds or change the display of the electronic device
620 that the infant is facing. The interaction with both the
interactive members 610 and the screen and buttons of the
electronic device 620 promote the visual and motor skills of the
toddler. This provides an environment where the toddler is learning
necessary skills and staying occupied through entertainment.
Furthermore, the seat 500 may contain a restraint system (not
shown), which prevents the toddler from falling out of the seat
500, giving parents and care givers peace of mind.
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative mode for configuration
"C." As illustrated in FIG. 4, the toddler is interacting with the
electronic device 620 positioned within the housing 600 while the
toddler is standing outside of the seat structure 100. In this
alternative configuration "C," the upper frame member 420 has
remained in the same position, with the housing 600 having been
rotated about the upper frame member 420 to face away from the seat
500. In this alternative mode for configuration "C," a toddler, who
is able to walk and stand, is able to interact with the electronic
device 620 and the interactive members 610 while walking and
standing. The upper frame member 420 may be sturdy enough to allow
the toddler to hold onto the upper frame member 420 for balance,
teaching the toddler how to walk and stand. In this configuration,
the toddler is kept entertained while developing necessary motor
skills.
[0063] Turning now to FIG. 10, illustrated is an embodiment of an
infant gym 800. The infant gym 800 illustrated includes a first
arcuate member 810 and a second arcuate member 820. The first
arcuate member 810 includes a handle 812 that is shaped and sized
to receive an adult hand. The first arcuate member 810 further
includes feet 814 on the ends of the first arcuate member 810.
Additionally, the second arcuate member 820 includes feet 834 on
the ends of the second arcuate member 820. Both of the feet 814,
834 are configured to support the infant gym 800 on a support
surface S. In use, an infant is placed in supine position under the
arcuate members 810, 820 of the gym 800. The second arcuate member
820 is pivotally coupled to the first arcuate member 810 via an
axle 842. In some embodiments, the first and second arcuate members
810, 820 are pivotally coupled via one axle 842. However, in the
embodiment illustrated, the axle 842 includes a first axle 844 and
a second axle 846.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first and second arcuate
members 810, 820 are pivotally coupled and reconfigurable between a
deployed configuration D (see FIG. 10) and a storage configuration
E (see FIG. 11). In the deployed configuration D, the first and
second arcuate members 810, 820 are pivoted so the feet 814 of the
first arcuate member 810 are positioned away from the feet 834 of
the second arcuate member 820. Conversely, as illustrated in FIG.
11, when the infant gym 800 is in the storage configuration E, the
first and second arcuate members 810, 820 are pivoted together so
the feet 814 of the first arcuate member 810 are adjacent to the
feet 834 of the second arcuate member 820. As illustrated in FIG.
11, the first and second arcuate members 810, 820 are positioned
substantially flush with one another, allowing for easy storage in
a closet, under a bed, or behind a couch. When the infant gym 800
is configured in the deployed configuration D, the first and second
arcuate members 810, 820 are prevented from over pivoting via
tethers 840. The tethers 840 connect the first and second arcuate
members 810, 820 at two locations. Moreover, the tethers 840 have a
length that allows the first and second arcuate members 810, 820 to
pivot a measured degree about an axis that results in an ideal
distance between the feet 814 of the first arcuate member 810 and
the feet 834 of the second arcuate member 820 for the deployed
configuration D of the infant gym 800.
[0065] Continuing with FIGS. 10 and 11, the second arcuate member
820 includes a housing 822. The housing 822 has a front side 824
(see FIG. 10) and a back side 828 (see FIG. 11). The housing 822 is
configured to retain the insert 900 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The
front side 824 of the housing 822 includes an aperture 826 that
enables a user view the contents of the insert 900. Although the
display screen of the electronic device 620 is dark in FIG. 10, the
display screen is facing outward from the aperture 826 towards a
supine infant lying on the support surface S. The back side 828 of
the housing 822 includes a recess 832 that receives the insert 900.
The insert 900 is securely locked into the recess 832 and can only
be removed from the recess 832 via the release button/switch
830.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 12, illustrated is an exploded view of the
insert 900. Insert 900 includes a protective transparent sheet 920
(which allows a user to interact with the touch sensitive screen of
the electronic device 620), a tray 930, a backing 940 for the tray
930, a mirror 950, and a rear cover 960. The tray 930 may be a tray
similar or identical to the descriptions for previous tray 640 and
tray 700 (see FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 8a) that are configured to receive
a portable electronic device 620. The rear cover 960 includes an
opening 962 that displays the mirror 950. Additionally, the insert
900 may include a plate 910 that prevents a user of the gym from
pressing the button on the portable electronic device 620 when the
portable electronic device is so oriented. When the portable
electronic device is placed into insert 900 in an orientation that
is longitudinally rotated 180 degrees, the plate 910 will no longer
prevent a user of the gym from pressing the button on the portable
electronic device 620.
[0067] The insert 900 may be placed into the recess 832 of the
housing 822 in two configurations, the device display configuration
F (see FIGS. 10, 11, and 14 in which the display screen of the
electronic device is facing outward from the aperture 826 towards a
supine infant lying on the support surface S) or the mirror display
configuration G (see FIG. 13 in which the mirror 950 is facing
outward from the aperture 826 towards a supine infant lying on the
support surface S). In the device display configuration F, the
insert 900 is placed within the recess 832 of the housing 822 so
the portable electronic device 620 is viewable through the aperture
826 on the front side of the housing 822 (see FIG. 10).
Furthermore, in the device display configuration F, the mirror 950
is viewable only from the back side 828 of the housing 822.
However, in the mirror display configuration G, the internal
components of the insert 900 are flipped around and inserted into
the recess 832 of the housing 822 so that the minor 950 is viewable
through the aperture 826 of the front side 824 of the housing 822.
The mirror display configuration G allows for the infant to be
entertained with the mirror 950 when the portable electronic device
620 has been removed from the gym 800.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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. Accordingly, it is
appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a
manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *