Infant's Entertainment Apparatus and Interactive Device
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.
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 INVENTIONThe 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 INVENTIONVarious 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® iPad®. 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.
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.
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.
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® iPad® or Apple® iPhone®. 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.
Therefore, there is a need for an infant gym that contains a reconfigurable housing for receiving a portable electronic device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThis 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.
Referring to
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.
As illustrated in
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
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.
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
Referring to
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With continued reference to
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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
Note that the housing for a portable electronic device depicted in
Referring again to
When inserting the tray 640 into the recess 660 of the housing 600 (as shown in
Referring to
Continuing with
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Turning to
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.
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
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.
Referring again to
Referring to
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.
Referring to
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.
Turning now to
Referring to
Continuing with
Referring to
The insert 900 may be placed into the recess 832 of the housing 822 in two configurations, the device display configuration F (see
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.
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.
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 3, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 7, 2013
Inventors: Chalin Yu (Williamsville, NY), Kurt J. Huntsberger (Arcade, NY), Maarten Van Huystee (Lancaster, NY), Daniel J. Damon (South Wales, NY), Christine A. Drosendahl (East Aurora, NY), Anthony Favorito (Buffalo, NY), Jared P. Pardi (Cheektowaga, NY), John Thaddeus Smokowski (West Seneca, NY), Gary E. Weber (Buffalo, NY)
Application Number: 13/934,442
International Classification: A47D 15/00 (20060101);