Convertible TeePee Gym and Play Mat

Abstract

A play apparatus, especially for an infant or toddler is provided that comprises a base member and a support assembly. The base member includes a floor portion and at least one wall portion. The support assembly is supported by the floor portion and comprises at least three elongated members. The support assembly defines an enclosable space, such as a pyramid. The play apparatus may be configured in an open condition or a closed condition. In the open condition, the floor portion and the wall portion of the base member are laid flat on the ground, such that an infant may be placed on the mat in a position to play or nap. The apparatus may be converted from the open condition to the closed condition by raising a distal end of the wall portion such that edge portions of the wall portion are brought into contact with two of the elongated members of the support assembly. When in the closed position, the infant or toddler may be afforded more privacy than when the play apparatus is in the open condition. In the closed position, the play apparatus may serve the purpose of a small tent.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a play apparatus primarily for use with an infant or a toddler, and more specifically to a teepee gym that may convert from an open condition to a closed condition and vice versa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Infant and toddler gyms generally include a play mat with a support structure placed thereon. The support structure may include interactive stimuli suspended therefrom, such as colorful shapes, reflectors, and stuffed toys.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention provides a play apparatus for an infant or toddler. The play apparatus comprises a base member and a support assembly. The base member comprises a cushion mat. The cushioned mat comprises a floor portion and a wall portion. In some embodiments, the base member may include a second floor portion. The support assembly is supported by the floor portion. The support assembly comprises at least three elongated members. Each elongated member includes a base end and a top end. The base end of each of the elongated members engages with and is supported by the floor portion of the base member. The elongated members, which extend upwards from the floor portion to the top end, are secured to one another about the top ends, such as by a tie. The elongated members may be straight or curved as desired. In a preferred embodiment, the support assembly generally defines the shape of a three-sided pyramid. In other embodiments, other shapes are possible, such as four-sided pyramids. Curved elongated members may alternatively be used, so as to form a dome-shaped support member, for example. As such, reference to the play apparatus as a teepee gym is not intended to limit the particular shape of the apparatus.

[0004] In some preferred embodiments, interactive stimulus, such as a mirror, small toys, bells, or the like is suspended from the top of the support assembly. Interactive stimulus may be included in other portions of the play apparatus as well.

[0005] The play apparatus may be configured in an open condition or a closed condition. In the open condition, the floor portion and the wall portion of the base member are laid flat on the ground, floor, or other support surface. In a preferred embodiment, the floor portion and the wall portion are connected by way of a hinge portion connecting the floor and wall portions. The floor portion and the wall portion may alternately be a continuous structure that is foldable. As yet another alternative, the wall and floor portion may be separate components that may be laid next to one another. In the open condition, an infant may be placed on the mat in a position to play with the suspended stimuli. In the open condition, the base member may also serve as a changing pad or sleeping pad.

[0006] The play apparatus may be converted from the open condition to the closed condition by raising a distal end of the wall portion such that edge portions of the wall portion are brought into contact with two of the elongated members of the support assembly. Preferably, the distal end of the wall portion includes a means for engaging and securing with the elongated members. For example, the distal end of the wall portion may include one half of a hook and loop assembly whereas the elongated members include the corresponding half. Alternatively, the distal end of the wall portion may include magnets that may contact corresponding magnets in the elongated members. Still other means for holding the wall portion with the elongated members of the support assembly may be used.

[0007] When in the closed position, the infant or toddler may be afforded more privacy than when the play apparatus is in the open condition. In the closed position, the play apparatus may serve the purpose of a small tent. In some embodiments, a mesh or other open-weave fabric may span some of the elongated members to form a screen-type wall to allow for ventilation and to enable the caregiver to view the child.

[0008] In an alternative embodiment, the base member may include a second wall portion. This second wall portion can be connected to the first wall portion such that when the first and second wall portions are laid flat with the floor portion, a larger mat is provided. When closed, the second wall portion may fold over the first wall portion to form a double thick wall or may wrap partially around the elongated members and form a second wall. The second wall portion can alternatively extend from a different edge of the floor portion such that the base member extends in two directions. The second wall portion, like the first wall portion, can be raised to be secured with two extending members and form a second wall. It is further contemplated that the number of floor portions corresponds to the number of spaces between elongated members such that when the floor portions are raised, a fully enclosed structure is formed.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings. For example, the discussion herein relates to an apparatus mainly for use with an infant or toddler. Different sizes of the fabric mat and support assembly can be utilized to accommodate larger children.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the fabric mat in an open condition.

[0012] FIG. 2 is the perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the wall portion of the fabric mat being moved from an open condition to a closed condition.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 rotated clockwise approximately 60 degrees with the fabric mat in a closed condition.

[0014] FIG. 4 is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a fabric mat including a first floor portion and a second floor portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0015] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is discussed. The play apparatus 10, which is shown in an open condition, includes a fabric mat 12, which comprises a floor portion 14 and a wall portion 16. Fabric mat 12 is preferably made of a soft durable material, such as cotton, polyester, rayon, or blends thereof. Supported by the floor portion 14 is a support assembly 18 formed from three elongated members 20, 22, and 24. Each elongated member 20, 22, and 24 includes a base end, 26, 28, and 30, respectively, and a top end 32, 34, and 36, respectively. Formed near the top of elongated members 20 and 22 are attachment members 44 and 46, which are discussed further below. Each base end 26, 28, and 30 engages with and is supported by the floor portion 14. The base ends 26, 28, and 30 may be secured with the floor portion 14 or simply allowed to rest on floor portion 14. In this embodiment, the elongated members 20, 22, and 24 are generally straight, but in other embodiments, they may be curved. In this embodiment, the top ends 32, 34, and 36 of elongated members 20, 22, and 24 are angled inwardly to intersect generally above the planar center of the floor portion 14. The top ends 32, 34, and 36 are secured to one another by way of a tie 38.

[0017] Suspended from the support assembly 18 are visual stimuli 40 for an infant. These stimuli may include fanciful characters, reflectors, bells, or the like. The stimuli may include a motorized or wind up or otherwise movable element 42 that allows the stimuli to move about, similar to a mobile.

[0018] Connected to the floor portion 14 by way of a hinge 48 is wall portion 6. In the open condition, the wall portion 16 lies flat on the ground or other support surface along with the floor portion 14. Preferably, the floor portion 14 and wall portion 16 include fanciful graphics and illustrations. Fabric mat 12 is preferably lightly padded and may be treated with stain and water resistant materials.

[0019] The apparatus 10 may be converted from the open condition as shown in FIG. 1 to a closed position as shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 2, the convertible feature of the present invention is described. Wall portion 16 may be moved from the open condition to the closed condition by raising a distal end 50 thereof to meet with the top ends 32 and 34 of the elongated members 20 and 22. The wall portion 16 engaged attachment members 44 and 46, which may be adapted to secure with the fabric of the wall portion. Although not shown, the wall portion 16 may include corresponding attachment members to secure with attachment members 44 and 46. In this embodiment, the material from which the fabric mat is formed is engageable with the attachment members 44 and 46.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus 10 is shown in a closed condition. The perspective view has been rotated approximately 60 degrees clockwise to show the apparatus 10. In the closed condition, wall portion 16 is secured with elongated members 20 (not visible) and 22. In this preferred embodiment, a mesh or other open fabric screen 52 spans the space between elongated members 20 and 24. In this closed condition, an infant is afforded additional privacy or shielding from light. Although not depicted, the wall portion 16 may include interactive stimuli, such as reflective surfaces, toys, or the like. When in the closed position, such interactive stimuli may be utilized by the child as he or she looks at the wall.

[0021] An alternative embodiment is discussed with respect to FIG. 4. For the most part, the apparatus 110 is the same as apparatus 10. The play apparatus 110 includes a fabric mat 112, which comprises a floor portion 114 and a wall portion 116. In addition, a second wall portion 117 is provided. In the condition depicted, the second wall portion 117 is engaged with elongated members 122 and 124. Wall portion 116 is shown transitioning from the open condition to the closed condition. When the wall portion 116 is engaged with attachment members 144 and 146, the apparatus 110 is fully enclosed. This may provide the child with a complete enclosure. Mesh wall 152 allows for ventilation, as well as a viewing means for the caregiver.

[0022] Although not shown, it is contemplated that the number of elongated members can be more than three. For example, four elongated members would form a four-sided pyramid shape, and preferably be used with a square floor portion. Moreover, curved elongated members can be used, such as to form a dome shape. It should further be understood that two or more of the elongated members may be integral with one another.

[0023] It will he understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A play apparatus comprising: a base member, the base member comprising a cushioned mat, the cushioned mat comprising a floor portion and a wall portion; and a support assembly supported by the floor portion, the support assembly comprising at least three elongated members, each elongated member including a base end and a top end, the base end of each elongated member engaged with a peripheral portion of the floor portion, the top ends of the elongated members operatively connected to one another; the play apparatus having an open condition and a closed condition, the wall portion of the base ember adapted to engage and secure with at least one of the elongated members when the play apparatus is in the closed condition, the wall portion of the base member being substantially co-planar with the floor portion when the play apparatus is in the open condition.

2. The play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the floor member and the wall member are connected by a hinge portion.

3. (canceled)

4. The play apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an open screen member spanning a space between at least two of the elongated members.

5. The play apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a second wall portion.

6. The play apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second wall portion defines at least two edge portions, each edge portion adapted to engage one of the elongated members when the play apparatus is in the closed condition, the second wall portion of the base member being substantially co-planar with the floor portion when the play apparatus is in the open condition.

7. A play apparatus comprising: a base member and a support assembly; the base member comprising a floor portion and at least one wall portion, each of the floor portion and the at least one wall portion adapted to be suitable as a play mat; the support assembly comprising at least three elongated support members, each elongated member defining a base end and a top end, the base end of each of the elongated support member supported by the floor portion, the top ends of the elongated members operatively secured with one another; the at least one wall portion movable between an open condition, wherein the at least one wall portion is substantially co-planar with the floor portion, and a closed condition, wherein the at least one wall portion engages at least one of the support members.

8. The play apparatus of claim 7, wherein the floor member and the wall member are connected by a hinge portion.

9. The play apparatus of claim 7, wherein the top ends of the elongated members are secured to one another by a tie.

10. The play apparatus of claim 7, wherein a stimulus is suspended from a upper portion of the support assembly.

11. The play apparatus of claim 7 further comprising an open screen member spanning a space between at least two of the elongated members.

12. The play apparatus of claim 7, wherein the base member comprises a second wall portion.

13. The play apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second wall portion is movable between the open condition, wherein the second wall portion is substantially co-planar with the floor portion, and the closed condition, wherein the second portion engages at least one of the support members.

14. A play apparatus adapted to be convertible between an open condition and a closed condition, the play apparatus comprising: a base member and a support assembly; the base member comprising a floor portion and at least one wall portion each of the floor portion and the at least one wall portion adapted to be suitable as a play mat; the support assembly comprising three or more elongated members, each of the elongated members having a top end wherein the top ends of the elongated members are secured with one another, each of the elongated members further having a base end wherein the base ends of the elongated members are supported by the floor portion; the support assembly further comprising an attachment portion, the attachment portion securable with a portion of the at least one wall portion; when in the open condition, the at least one wall portion is positioned substantially co-planar with the floor portion; when in the closed condition, the at least one wall portion engages at least one of the elongated members and is positioned substantially vertically to the floor portion.

15. The play apparatus of claim 14, wherein the floor member and the at least one wall member are connected by a hinge portion.

16. The play apparatus of claim 14, wherein a stimulus is suspended from a upper portion of the support assembly.

17. The play apparatus of claim 14 further comprising an open screen member spanning a space between at least two of the elongated members.

18. The play apparatus of claim 14, wherein the base member comprises a second wall portion.

19. The play apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second wall portion is movable between the open condition, wherein the second wall portion is substantially co-planar with the floor portion, and the closed condition, wherein the second portion engages at least one of the support members.

20. The play apparatus of claim 1, wherein a stimulus is suspended from an upper portion of the support assembly.

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