Infant's Entertainment Apparatus and Interactive Device
An infant entertainment apparatus includes an upper frame with a housing for a portable electronic device that can be configured to multiple positions to provide entertainment to a child via the portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the infant entertainment apparatus may include two pivotally coupled arcuate members. A housing for a portable electronic device may be coupled to one of the arcuate members and house a 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 moreupright 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
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Continuing with
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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. An infant gym comprising:
- an overhead support structure under which a child can be placed in a supine position;
- a housing for removably receiving a portable electronic device, the housing being mounted to the overhead support structure; and
- a retention mechanism for retaining the portable electronic device in the housing, the retention mechanism including an actuator for selectively releasing the portable electronic device from the housing.
2. The infant gym of claim 1, wherein the overhead support structure further comprises a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member pivotally coupled to the first arcuate member.
3. The infant gym of claim 2, wherein the first arcuate member and the second arcuate member are pivotable between a deployed configuration for use and a storage configuration in which the first arcuate member and second arcuate member are substantially flush with one another when in the storage configuration.
4. The infant gym of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises an aperture for viewing the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is received in the housing.
5. The infant gym of claim 4, further comprising:
- an insert with a front and a back, the insert configured to be received within the housing, the front of the insert including a recess configured to receive the portable electronic device and a plate covering an actuation portion of the portable electronic device.
6. The infant gym of claim 5, wherein the portable electronic device is disposable in the insert in a first orientation wherein said actuation portion of the portable electronic device is actuable by a user, and disposable in the insert in a second orientation wherein said actuation portion of the portable electronic device is blocked by said plate.
7. The infant gym of claim 5, wherein the insert is configured to be received within the housing in a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration the portable electronic device disposed within the insert is visible through the aperture of the housing, and when in the second configuration the back of the insert is visible through the aperture of the housing.
8. The infant gym of claim 5, wherein a reflective surface is disposed on the back of the insert.
9. An infant gym comprising:
- a first arcuate member, the ends of the first arcuate member configured to engage a support surface;
- a second arcuate member coupled to the first arcuate member, the first and second arcuate members being moveable between a deployed configuration and a stored configuration, the ends of the second arcuate member configured to engage a support surface;
- a housing for removably receiving a portable electronic device, the housing being mounted to one of the first arcuate member and the second arcuate member; and
- a retention mechanism for retaining the portable electronic device in the housing, the retention mechanism including an actuator for selectively releasing the portable electronic device from the housing.
10. The infant gym of claim 9, wherein in the deployed configuration, the infant gym is configured to stand on the support surface on which a child can be placed in a supine position.
11. The infant gym of claim 9, wherein in the stored configuration, at least one end of the first arcuate member is adjacent to at least one end of the second arcuate member.
12. The infant gym of claim 9, wherein the housing further comprises an aperture for viewing the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is received in the housing.
13. The infant gym of claim 12, further comprising:
- an insert with a front and a back, the insert configured to be received within the housing and be engaged by the retention mechanism, the front of the insert including a recess configured to receive the portable electronic device.
14. The infant gym of claim 13, further comprising:
- a plate covering an actuation portion of the portable electronic device, wherein the portable electronic device is disposable in the insert in a first orientation wherein the plate covers the actuation portion of the portable electronic device, and disposable in the insert in a second orientation wherein the plate does not cover the actuation portion of the portable electronic device.
15. The infant gym of claim 13, wherein the insert is configured to be received within the housing in a first configuration and second configuration, in the first configuration the portable electronic device disposed within the recess is visible through the aperture of the housing, and in the second configuration the back of the insert is visible through the aperture of the housing.
16. The infant gym of claim 13, wherein a reflective surface is disposed on the back of the insert.
17. An infant gym comprising:
- a first arcuate member, the ends of the first arcuate member configured to engage a support surface;
- a second arcuate member coupled to the first arcuate member, the first and second arcuate members being moveable between a deployed configuration and a stored configuration, the ends of the second arcuate member configured to engage a support surface;
- a housing including a front with an aperture and a back with a recess, the housing being mounted to one of the first arcuate member and the second arcuate member; and
- an insert insertable into the recess of the housing and configured to receive a portable electronic device, wherein when the portable electronic device is placed in the insert and the insert is received by the housing, and the portable electronic device is visible through the aperture on the housing.
18. The infant gym of claim 17, wherein the first arcuate member and the second arcuate member are configured to move with respect to one another by pivoting on an axle.
19. The infant gym of claim 17, wherein in the deployed configuration, the infant gym is configured to stand on the support surface on which a child can be placed in a supine position.
20. The infant gym of claim 17, wherein in the stored configuration, the second arcuate member is positioned in substantially the same plane as the first arcuate member.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 3, 2013
Publication Date: Nov 7, 2013
Inventors: Gary E. Weber (Buffalo, NY), Karl Christopherson (Orchard Park, 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)
Application Number: 13/934,318
International Classification: A63H 33/00 (20060101);