U.S. patent application number 16/040586 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-24 for folding play gym.
This patent application is currently assigned to KIDS II, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is KIDS II, INC.. Invention is credited to Katie LIM, Bradford REESE, David THRIFT.
Application Number | 20190022541 16/040586 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65014388 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190022541 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
REESE; Bradford ; et
al. |
January 24, 2019 |
FOLDING PLAY GYM
Abstract
A foldable play gym comprising a support surface for receiving a
child and an entertainment component. Generally, the play gym
includes a play mat and a toy bar. The play gym is convertible
between a use configuration and a folded, storage configuration.
The play gym can fold down to a minimal size for storage and/or
travel. Generally, the mat is configured to fold and the toy bar is
foldable or collapsible. In example embodiments, the toy bar is
releasably attachable to the mat and is convertible between an
arched, use configuration and a folded, storage configuration. In
other embodiments, the toy bar can be permanently attached to the
mat.
Inventors: |
REESE; Bradford; (Decatur,
GA) ; LIM; Katie; (Brooklyn, NY) ; THRIFT;
David; (Alpharetta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIDS II, INC. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KIDS II, INC.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
65014388 |
Appl. No.: |
16/040586 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62534844 |
Jul 20, 2017 |
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|
16040586 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/006
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63H 33/00 20060101
A63H033/00 |
Claims
1. A folding play gym comprising: a foldable mat having a first
side and a second side; and at least one bar having a first end, a
second end, and at least a first panel and a second panel; wherein
the bar is movable between a use position and a storage position;
wherein in the use position, the first end of the bar is attached
to the first side of the foldable mat and the second end of the bar
is attached to the second side of the mat; and wherein in the
storage position, the bar is folded such that the panels are
positioned on top of each other.
2. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein the foldable mat
comprises a fill material surrounded by a shell.
3. The folding play gym of claim 2, wherein the shell is formed
from a taffeta material.
4. The folding play gym of claim 2, wherein the fill material is
formed from a batting material.
5. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein the foldable mat
comprises one or more seams positioned perpendicular to the first
and second side of the mat.
6. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein the bar comprises at
least one toy configured to hang from the bar.
7. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein in the storage
position, the bar has a rectangular shape.
8. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein the foldable mat is
foldable between a use configuration and a storage configuration
and wherein in the storage configuration the foldable mat has a
width of no more than 6 inches.
9. A folding bar for a child support structure, the bar comprising:
at least a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a
first end, a second end, a top surface and a bottom surface;
wherein the first end of the first panel is releasably coupled to
the child support structure and the second end of the first panel
is pivotally coupled to the top surface of the second panel at a
point between the first end of the second panel and the second end
of the second panel; wherein a portion of the second panel is
positioned beneath the first panel.
10. The folding bar of claim 9, wherein there is a distance between
the first end of the second panel and second end of the first panel
and wherein this distance is between 1 inches and 2 inches.
11. The folding bar of claim 9, wherein each panel has a
rectangular shape.
12. The folding bar of claim 9, wherein each panel comprises an
insert surrounded by a fabric shell.
13. The folding bar of claim 12, wherein the insert of each panel
is formed from a plastic material.
14. The folding bar of claim 12, wherein the insert of each panel
has a thickness of between 1 mm and 10 mm.
15. The folding bar of claim 12, wherein the fabric shell of the
first panel is attached to the fabric shell of the second panel to
form a fabric hinge.
16. A method of moving a collapsible play gym from a use position
to a collapsed, storage position, the play gym comprising a
collapsible mat and a bar releasably coupled to the collapsible
mat, the bar comprising at least a first panel and a second panel,
the method comprising: collapsing the bar such that the panels are
positioned on top of each other; positioning the bar on the
collapsible mat; and collapsing the collapsible mat to a smaller
configuration.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises
detaching the first panel of the bar from the collapsible mat.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the collapsible play gym
comprises a primary fastener comprising a first fastening component
on the bar that is configured to releasably engage a second
fastening component on the collapsible mat, wherein the method
further comprises disengaging the first fastening component from
the second fastening component.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the bar further comprises
secondary fasteners configured to engage the collapsible mat,
wherein the method further comprises disengaging the secondary
fasteners of the bar from the collapsible mat.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising wrapping the
collapsible mat around the bar.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the collapsible mat further
comprises at least one strap, wherein the method comprises wrapping
the at least one strap around the collapsed mat and bar.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/534,844 filed Jul. 20, 2017, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for
all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application is generally directed to the field
of child play gyms, and more specifically to a folding or
collapsible play gym.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are numerous conventional products for receiving and
entertaining infants, including play mats, play gyms, toy bars and
the like. Such child support and entertainment devices include a
surface for supporting the child and an entertainment element to
engage the child. Sometimes children are transported to locations
away from home, for example, when going to outings such as the park
or when traveling with family or staying with grandparents. For
such situations, some child play mats and gyms have been developed
that are foldable so they can be more easily transportable. For
example, the play mat and toy bar can be foldable into a more
compact configuration for transport. However, such foldable play
gyms have not proven entirely satisfactory.
[0004] Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for
improvements to folding, portable play gyms for children. It is to
the provision of a folding play gym meeting these and other needs
that the present invention is primarily directed.
SUMMARY
[0005] In example embodiments, the present invention provides a
foldable play gym comprising a support surface for receiving a
child and an entertainment component. Generally, the play gym
includes a play mat and a toy bar. The play gym is convertible
between a use configuration and a folded, storage configuration.
The play gym can fold down to a minimal size for storage and/or
travel. Generally, the mat is configured to fold and the toy bar is
foldable or collapsible. In example embodiments, the toy bar is
releasably attachable to the mat. In other embodiments, the toy bar
can be permanently attached to the mat.
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a folding
play gym comprising a foldable mat and a toy bar. The foldable mat
has a first side and a second side. The toy bar has a first end,
second end, and at least a first panel and a second panel. The toy
bar is movable between a use position and a storage position. In
the use position, the toy bar is arch-shaped with the first end
attached to the first side of the foldable mat and the second end
attached to the second side of the mat. In the storage position,
the toy bar is folded such that the first panel is positioned on
top of the second panel.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention relates to a folding toy
bar for a child support structure. The toy bar has at least a first
panel and a second panel. Each panel has a first end, second end, a
top surface and a bottom surface. The first end of the first panel
is releasably coupled to the child support structure and the second
end of the first panel is pivotally coupled to the top surface of
the second panel at a point between the first end of the second
panel and the second end of the second panel. A portion of the
second panel is positioned beneath the first panel.
[0008] In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method
of moving a folding play gym from a use position to a folded,
storage position. The play gym comprises a foldable mat and a toy
bar releasably coupled to the foldable mat. The toy bar comprises
at least a first panel and a second panel. The method comprises
detaching the toy bar from the foldable mat and folding the toy bar
such that the first panel is positioned on top of the second panel.
The method further comprises positioning the folded toy bar on the
foldable mat and folding the foldable mat around the toy bar.
[0009] These and other aspects, features and advantages of the
invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures
and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of
the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing
general description and the following brief description of the
drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are
explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable play gym, in a
use configuration, according to an example embodiment of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the foldable play gym
of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of
FIG. 1, illustrating the folding of the toy bar.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of
FIG. 1, illustrating the deployment of the toy bar.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of
FIG. 1, illustrating the deployment of the toy bar.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the secondary fasteners of the
toy bar of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the secondary fasteners of FIG.
6.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the primary fastener of the toy
bar of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the primary fastener of FIG. 8,
illustrating the detachment of the toy bar from the mat.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the primary fastener of FIG.
8, illustrating the detachment of the toy bar from the mat.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of
FIG. 1, illustrating the folding of the toy bar.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of
FIG. 1, with the toy bar in a folded position.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of
FIG. 1, illustrating the folding of the mat.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of
FIG. 1, illustrating the folding of the mat.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of
FIG. 1, with the mat in a folded position.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of
FIG. 1, with the mat in a folded position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of example
embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing
figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be
understood that this invention is not limited to the specific
devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown
herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not
intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all
patents and other publications identified in this specification are
incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
[0027] Also, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural,
and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least
that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment.
[0028] With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like
reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-16 show various aspects, components and
modes of use of a foldable or rollable play gym 10 according to an
example embodiment of the invention. Generally, the play gym 10
includes a play mat 20 and a bar or toy bar 50. The play gym 10 is
convertible between a use configuration, shown in FIG. 1 and a
folded, storage configuration, shown in FIG. 16. In example
embodiments, the play gym 10 can fold down to a minimal size for
storage and/or travel. Generally, the mat 20 is configured to fold,
roll, or collapse and the toy bar 50 is foldable or collapsible. In
example embodiments, the toy bar 50 is releasably attachable to the
mat 20. In other embodiments, the toy bar 50 can be permanently
attached to the mat 20.
[0029] In the use configuration, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
folding mat 20 is configured to rest on a support surface, such as
the floor, ground, or another substantially horizontal surface. The
bottom surface of the mat 20 is configured to contact the support
surface. The top surface of the mat 20 is configured to engage or
support the child. In the depicted embodiments, the mat 20 has a
rectangular shape having two sides 22, and two ends 24. As best
seen in FIG. 2, the sides 22 of the mat 20 are generally longer
than the ends of the mat 24, making the length of the mat longer
than the width of the mat. In other embodiments, the mat 20 can be
any shape suitable for providing a comfortable surface for an
infant or child including circular, square, oval or polygonal
shaped.
[0030] In example embodiments, the mat 20 is formed from a shell 26
that surrounds and contains a compressible fill material. The
compressible fill material is designed to provide additional
comfort and support to the infant. In alternate embodiments, the
mat is formed of a padded polyethylene material that is lightweight
and waterproof or water resistant. The mat 20 can be formed from a
series of panels 28 hingedly connected to one another. In the
depicted embodiment, the panels 28 are separated by hinges or seams
30 in the shell 26 of the mat 20. The seams 30 can be formed by
stitching, heat pressing, or otherwise attaching the bottom surface
of the shell 22 to the top surface of the shell. The seams 30 help
to create creases or fold lines for folding the mat 20 into a
compact configuration for travel or storage. In the depicted
embodiment, the seams 30 extend horizontally across the mat 20 from
side 22 to side. In other embodiments, other configurations of
panels and seams can be used to fold the mat 20. For example, the
seams 30 can extend vertically on the mat from end 24 to end or the
seams can be configured to form polygonal panels.
[0031] In example embodiments, the fill material is formed from a
substantially resilient material. The resilient fill material can
be formed from foam, polyester fill, batting, or another
conventional resilient and compressible material for providing a
cushioning effect. The mat shell 26 is generally formed from a
flexible, non-toxic fabric such as polyvinyl chloride,
polyethylene, or taffeta. In example embodiments, the shell 26 is
formed from a water-resistant fabric such as taffeta or a laminate
material. In other embodiments, the shell 26 material can be
treated to make said fabric water resistant. The shell 26 can
include one or more designs, patterns, colors, or tactile
combinations to provide stimulation for the child. In other
embodiments, the mat 20 includes a removable cover configured to
surround the shell 26 of the mat. The cover can be formed of a
similar material to the above-described shell. The cover can be
removed to be washed.
[0032] The toy bar 50 is designed to be held in tension when
attached to the play mat 20, but fold when it is detached or
partially detached from the mat. In alternate embodiments, the toy
bar can be configured to fold when attached to the mat. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the toy bar 50 is arch-shaped having a first end 52
and a second end 54. In alternate embodiments, the toy bar 50 can
be any suitably shaped arch (e.g. triangular, flat, camber top,
parabolic, elliptical, lancet, pointed, etc.). Although a single
toy bar is shown, one or more toy bars can be coupled to the mat
20. For example, two toy bars can be coupled at different points
along the mat 20 to run parallel or perpendicular to each other. In
the example embodiment, the toy bar 50 includes a plurality of
panels 56 that are coupled together to provide tension when the toy
bar 50 is in the arched use position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
but allow the toy bar to fold into the storage position, as shown
in FIG. 12. In the depicted embodiment, the toy bar 50 includes
three panels 56. In other embodiments, fewer or more panels can be
used. In example embodiments, the panels 56 are coupled to one
another in an overlapping configuration to provide tension in the
arched use configuration. In other embodiments, the panels are
coupled end-to-end to create the arched configuration. In the
depicted embodiments, the panels 56 have a rectangular shape. In
other embodiments, differently shaped panels can be used.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the overlapping panel design allows
the toy bar 50 to be held in tension when the ends 52, 54 are
attached to the mat 20, but will fold when one or both of the ends
are detached from the mat. Each panel 56, 56', 56'' includes a
first end 58, 58', 58'' and a second end 60, 60', 60''. In example
embodiments, the panels are interchangeable. In the depicted
embodiment, the panels 56, 56', 56'' have generally the same
length. In alternate embodiments, the length of the panels can
differ. For example, one or more of the panels can be wide enough
to provide a canopy for shielding the sun from an infant on the
mat. The first end 58 of the first panel 56 is releasably fastened
to a side 22 of the mat. The second end 60 of the first panel 56 is
pivotally coupled to the top surface of the second panel 56' at a
point offset a distance D from its first end 58'. In example
embodiments, the offset distance D is between about 1 inch and
about 2 inches to create tension in the arch structure, described
in detail below. In example embodiments, the panels 56, 56', 56''
are permanently or semi-permanently coupled together using
attachment mechanisms such as stitching, adhesive, or a hinge
mechanism. The panels 56, 56', 56'' can be sewn together to form a
fabric hinge. The first end 58' of the second panel 56' is free to
rotate about the coupling between the second end 60 of the first
panel 58 and the second panel. The second end 60' of the second
panel 56' is attached to the top of the third panel 56'' at a point
a distance D from its first end 58''. The first end 58'' of the
third panel 56'' is free to rotate about the coupling between the
second end 60' of the second panel 58' and the third panel. The
second end 60'' of the third panel 56'' is releasably attachable to
the side 22 of the mat 20 opposite the first end 58 of the first
panel 56.
[0034] When both ends 52, 54 of the toy bar 50 are attached to the
sides 22 of the mat 20, the first ends 58', 58'' of the second 56'
and third 56'' panel are forced into engagement with the bottom of
the first 56 and second panel 56', respectively. As the panels 56,
56', 56'' bend, the first ends 58', 58'' of the second 56' and
third 56'' panel impart an upward force, creating tension in the
resulting arch structure. When an end 52, 54 of the toy bar 50 is
decoupled from the mat 20, the tension is released, and the toy bar
is able to fold, for example by rotating the second end 60'' of the
third panel 58'' toward the first 56 and second 56'' panel. The
panels 56, 56', 56'' are pivoted such that the toy bar 50 folds
into a flat, compact configuration for travel or storage. In the
storage position, the panels 56, 56', 56'' are stacked such that
they substantially align on top of one another.
[0035] In example embodiments, the toy bar 50 can also be
releasably coupled along the outer periphery of the mat 20 to
create a side wall. The toy bar 50 is positioned such that its
sides are coupled to the sides 22 and/or ends 24 of the mat 20. The
toy bar 50 extends upward from the edge of the mat 20 perpendicular
to the support surface. In example embodiments, the toy bar 50 can
be used as a wall that surrounds the outer periphery of the mat. In
this wall configuration, the toy bar 50 can contain a child or
infant on the mat 20. The wall configuration can be also be used to
contain toys within the boundaries of the mat, for example, to use
the foldable play gym 10 as a ball pit. In other embodiments, the
toy bar 50 can extend around a portion of the periphery of the
mat.
[0036] In alternate embodiments, the attachments between the panels
are releasable, in which case they can be fixed rather than
pivotal. In this embodiment, the panels are releasably coupled
together by one or more fasteners such as hooks, ties, buckles,
snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other attachment means.
The panels are detached from one another to fold the toy bar to the
storage position. In alternate embodiments, the toy bar 50 may
comprise thin, metal bistable spring inserts that provide support
and structure to the toy bar.
[0037] In example embodiments, the panels 56 are formed from a
flexible insert surrounded by an outer shell. The flexible insert
can be formed from one or more sheets of polypropylene. According
to example embodiments, the thickness of the polypropylene sheet
inserts is between about 1 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 2
mm and 8 mm, for example about 2 mm. The sheet inserts are
dimensioned to bend to form the arch-shaped toy bar while being
rigid enough to provide tension. The outer shell can be formed from
a fabric material such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or
taffeta.
[0038] The play gym 10 generally includes primary fastening
mechanisms 80, 80' configured to attach the ends 52, 54 of the toy
bar 50 to the sides 22 of the mat. In the depicted embodiment, the
fastening mechanism 80 includes a female sleeve 82, positioned on
the end of the toy bar 50, and a male rod 84 positioned on the side
22 of the mat 20. As best seen in FIGS. 8-10, the male rod 84 is
laterally inserted into the female sleeve 84 to releasably couple
the end 52 of the toy bar 50 to the mat 20. The toy bar 50 and the
mat 20 can be uncoupled by sliding the rod 84 out of engagement
with the sleeve 82. In alternate embodiments, the male rod is
positioned on the toy bar and the female sleeve is positioned on
the mat. In other embodiments, other primary fastening mechanisms
can be used including hooks, ties, buckles, snaps, buttons,
hook-and-loop fasteners or other attachment means. Preferably, the
primary fastening mechanism does not require tools or other
equipment for coupling and uncoupling.
[0039] Optionally, the fastening mechanisms can be color-coded to
help the user orient the toy bar. For example, the components of
the first fastening mechanism 80 can be a first color, while the
components of the second fastening mechanism 80' are a second
color. A user can match the color of the components to correctly
orient the toy bar 50. In the depicted embodiment, the ends 52, 54
are releasably coupled to the mat 20 at a point centrally
positioned along the length of the mat. In other embodiments, the
toy bar can be attached nearer an end of the mat.
[0040] The play gym 10 can optionally include a secondary fastening
mechanism 90 for releasably coupling the ends of the toy bar 50 to
the mat 20. The secondary fastening mechanisms 90 are configured to
provide lateral stability for the toy bar 50. In the depicted
embodiment, the secondary fastening mechanism includes flaps 92
positioned on either side of the ends 52, 54 of the toy bar, as
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The flaps include a releasable fastening
mechanism for coupling a portion of the flap to the mat 20. In the
depicted embodiment, the flaps include a hook-and-loop fastener
portion 94 configured to engage a corresponding hook-and-loop
fastener portion positioned on the bottom surface of the mat. In
other embodiments, the flaps 92 can include hooks, ties, buckles,
snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other attachment means
configured to engage corresponding attachment means on the mat 20.
Preferably, the secondary fasteners do not require tools or other
equipment for coupling and uncoupling. In example embodiments, the
flaps 92 are shaped and decorated to correspond to a design theme
of the play gym 10. For example, if the play gym 10 has a cityscape
design theme, the secondary fastening mechanism 90 can be
configured to resemble buildings. In another example, if the play
gym 10 has a zoo design theme, the flaps can be configured to
resemble animals.
[0041] In example embodiments, toy bar 50 includes one or more
fabric loops, rings, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other attachments
70 for attaching toys 72 to the toy bar. In example embodiments,
the toy bar 50 includes one or more pockets for housing items such
as toys, diapers, bottles, or wipes. The mat 20 has a length and
width in the deployed or use position. In example embodiments, the
width of the mat 20 in the use position is between about 1 foot and
about 3 feet. In preferred embodiments, the width of the mat 20 is
between about 1.5 feet and about 2.5 feet. In example embodiments,
the length of the mat is between about 2 feet and about 4 feet. In
preferred embodiments, the length of the mat is between about 2.5
feet and about 3.5 feet. The width and length of the mat 20 are
dimensioned to provide adequate space for an infant or child while
allowing the play gym 10 to fold to a compact size. In example
embodiments, the play gym 10 has a length and width in the folded
position. In example embodiments, the length of the play gym 10 in
the folded position is between about 1 foot and about 3 feet. In
preferred embodiments, the length of the play gym 10 in the folded
position is between about 1.5 feet and about 2.5 feet. In example
embodiments, the width of the play gym 10 in the folded position is
between about 3 inches and about 9 inches. In preferred
embodiments, the width of the play gym 10 in the folded position is
between about 5 inches and about 6 inches. The play gym 10 is
dimensioned to fit into a standard size diaper bag for storage and
travel.
[0042] FIGS. 6-16 show a method of collapsing the play gym 10 from
the use position, shown in FIG. 1, to the storage position, shown
in FIG. 16. Generally, to fold the play gym 10, the toy bar 50 is
detached from the mat 20 and folded. The mat 20 is then folded to a
relatively compact size. In example embodiments, the mat 20 is
folded to retain the folded toy bar 50 so that the folded play gym
10 is a single item for the user to carry.
[0043] FIGS. 6-16 show a method of disassembling and folding the
toy bar. If the toy bar includes secondary fasteners 90, the
secondary fasteners are decoupled from the mat 20, as shown in FIG.
6. The flaps 92 of the secondary fastener can be folded to align
with the end panel 56 of the toy bar 50, as shown in FIG. 7. Next,
the primary fastener 80 at the first end 52 of the toy bar 50 is
detached from the mat 20. In the depicted embodiment, the primary
fastener 80 is uncoupled by sliding the rod 84 out of engagement
with the sleeve 82, as shown in FIG. 9. In example embodiments, the
primary fastener 80' at the second end 54 of the toy bar 50 is
decoupled by the same method. In other embodiments, the second end
54 of the toy bar remains attached to the mat 50. Once the first
end 52 is decoupled, the tension is released from the arch
structure of the toy bar 50 and it can be folded. The toy bar 50 of
the depicted embodiment is folded by rotating the first panel 56
toward the second end 54 of the toy bar about its attachment to the
second panel 56', as shown in FIG. 11. The first panel 56 is
rotated until the top of the first panel is flush with the top of
the second panel 56'. The second panel 56' is similarly folded over
the third panel 56'' until the toy bar 50 is folded to a generally
flat storage position with the panels 56, 56', 56'' aligned on top
of one another, as shown in FIG. 12. In example embodiments, the
toys 72 can remain attached to the toy bar 50 in the folded
position. In other embodiments, the toys 72 can be removed from the
toy bar 50 in the folding process.
[0044] FIGS. 13-16 show a method for folding the mat 20 of the play
gym 10. In the depicted embodiment, the mat 20 can be rolled or
folded over itself to create the compact storage configuration,
shown in FIG. 14. In example embodiments, the fold lines or creases
30 in the mat 20 facilitate the folding action. The mat 20 is
generally folded in a direction perpendicular to the fold lines 30.
In example embodiments, the folded toy bar 50 is positioned on the
mat 20 as it is folded, as shown in FIG. 13, so that the mat is
folded around the toy bar to assist with keeping the toy bar with
the mat for travel and storage.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 an end of the mat can include
straps 32 to facilitate holding the mat in the storage
configuration. The straps 32 are configured to wrap around the
folded mat 20 to hold it in the folded position. In example
embodiments, the straps 32 include a releasable fastening mechanism
such as hooks, ties, buckles, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop
fasteners or other attachment means for holding the strap around
the folded mat 20. In other embodiments, the straps 32 are elastic
and can be stretched around the folded mat 20 to hold it in the
folded configuration. Optionally, the mat 20 can include a handle
positioned on the bottom surface of the mat. The handle is
positioned such that it is exposed when the mat 20 is in the folded
position. The handle facilitates carrying and transporting the play
gym 10 when it is folded.
[0046] While the invention has been described with reference to
example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are
within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following
claims. The particular configurations, materials of construction,
and objections described herein are merely exemplary and are in no
way limiting. For example, the folding toy bar described can be
attached to a variety of child support structures including
bassinets, play yards, and strollers.
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