Abstract: An access-optimized infant support device comprising a lower support frame and a seat or resting portion supported on the lower support frame, whereby the lower support frame maintains the seat or resting portion at a height allowing a line-of-sight eye-contact interaction between an infant on the seat or resting portion and an adult seated at a standard dining table, and also allows close proximity between the infant on the seat or resting portion and an adult seated on a standard sofa.

Abstract: A folding playpen or play yard frame and/or a locking hinge mechanism for a folding playpen or play yard frame of the type having tubular rails for supporting sides and a floor of the playpen or play yard. The locking hinge mechanism includes a housing and a lock assembly movably mounted to the housing. The lock assembly is pivotally attached to proximal portions of the tubular rails for locking and unlocking the rails relative to the housing. The lock assembly and housing are configured and adapted to require the locking hinge assembly to be lifted to effect limited relative motion between the housing and the proximal portions of the tubular rails prior to unlocking the lock assembly and permitting greater relative motion between the housing and proximal portions of the tubular rails. This provides greater safety against the hinge accidentally being folded or being folded by a child.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a convertible children's high chair. According to various embodiments, the convertible high chair generally comprises a first child seat supported above a floor by a high chair frame, and a second child seat configured for being removably coupled to first child seat. The second child seat is configured such that, when detached from the high chair's first child seat, it can be used apart from the high chair as a booster seat (e.g., secured to the seating surface of a standard chair or another support surface). In certain embodiments, the second child seat includes a base surface configured to stably support the second child seat on a separate support surface (e.g., without the need to be attached to or mounted on a separate base or support member).

Abstract: An attachment device is configured for attaching a children's accessory, such as a mobile or audio-visual device, to a children's support device, such as a crib or play yard. The attachment device may include a strap connected to a movable member that permits the position of the strap to be adjusted in order to secure the device to support structures having a variety of cross-sectional shapes and sizes. In addition, the attachment device may include one or more coupling features configured for removably securing the attachment device to a children's accessory.

Abstract: An adapter removably mounts to a stroller or other child-supporting device, and a range of different child carriers can be removably mounted to the adapter and thus the stroller. The adapter includes stroller-mounting assemblies that are compatible with the carrier-mounting assemblies of the stroller. A peripheral frame is supported by the stroller-mounting assemblies and in turn supports the selected carrier in a snugly nested arrangement. To enable use with various different carriers, the peripheral frame includes an adjustable frame member that slides backward and forward between retracted and extended positions for use with smaller and larger carriers, respectively. Lock assemblies selectively retain the adjustable frame member in position, and an actuator assembly operates the lock assemblies. A position-indicating system can provide a visual indication of the position of the adjustable frame member. And straps or other carrier-securing assemblies can restrain the carrier on the adapter.

Abstract: A system and method for improved efficiency in the marketing and purchase of products within a marketplace. At least one category of information associated with a group of products is defined, and at least one product-specific categorization is identified within each category of information. At least one product-specific categorization is associated with a particular product selected from the group of products, and the product-specific categorization associated with the particular product is communicated to a potential customer to assist in a purchasing decision.

Abstract: A toy includes a rotational lift mechanism having a rotatable drive shaft, a helical guide track positioned about the drive shaft, a receiver basin positioned atop the drive shaft, an upper track, a tilted panel, a chute having an opening formed therein and a lower track. In example forms, one or more balls traverse a closed-loop pre-defined path including along the guide track and within the basin, along the upper track, through an airborne trajectory into contact with the tilted panel, bouncing into the opening of the chute, and back along the lower track.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a locking mechanism for a collapsible play yard frame. In various embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to be adjusted between a locked position, in which the play yard frame is restricted from collapsing, and an unlocked position, in which the play yard frame is permitted to collapse. In particular embodiments, the locking mechanism is operatively connected to the play yard frame's lower frame members and includes a rotatable member configured for being rotated to adjust the locking mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position. The locking mechanism's rotatable member enables the locking mechanism to be secured in the locked position when the play yard is in use and is easily adjusted by a user to the unlocked position when the play yard is to be collapsed for storage.

Abstract: An access-optimized infant support device comprising a lower support frame and a seat or resting portion supported on the lower support frame, whereby the lower support frame maintains the seat or resting portion at a height allowing a line-of-sight eye-contact interaction between an infant on the seat or resting portion and an adult seated at a standard dining table, and also allows close proximity between the infant on the seat or resting portion and an adult seated on a standard sofa.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's rocker adapted for providing simultaneous rocking and swinging motion for a child positioned therein. According to various embodiments, the children's rocker generally comprises a frame configured for rocking movement on a support surface and a child support suspended from the frame by one or more attachment members. In various embodiments, the attachment members are generally configured to permit the child support to swing along an arcuate path relative to the frame. In addition, in particular embodiments, the child support may be adapted for gliding motion relative to the rocker's frame.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a child support device configured for providing an adjustable seating space for a child. According to various embodiments, the child support device includes one or more seat inserts configured for being secured within the child support device's seating space. The seat inserts may be positioned at various locations within the seating space in order to reduce the volume of the seating space and provide additional support for a child seated therein. In various embodiments, the seat inserts are secured to the child support device such that they remain in a fixed, supportive position within the child support device.

Abstract: A rocker includes a frame and a seat coupled to the frame for receiving an infant therein. The frame includes a front and a rear frame portion generally oppositely extending along a longitudinal axis. The first and second frame portions are pivotally coupled together to move between an upright configuration and a collapsed configuration. The front and rear frame portions include rocking surfaces that are configured to rock on a support surface in a side-to-side motion transverse to the longitudinal axis, with the infant positioned in the seat in a head-to-foot longitudinal orientation.

Abstract: A collapsible play gym for infants, the gym having a base and a bar assembly. The bar assembly includes an array of permanently attached flexible bars that are collapsible to a compact aligned configuration for storage and transport. The bars can be flexed into an upright configuration for suspending toys or other entertainment items over the base, and the bar assembly retained in the upright configuration by releasable attachments.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism and mattress for use with a child containment device. A first mattress panel is pivotally coupled to a second mattress panel by a hinge mechanism, and is thereby convertible between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The hinge mechanism defines a limit point beyond which pivotal motion is prevented in at least one direction.

Abstract: A convertible walker/rider includes a frame and a seat assembly, and is convertible between a riding mode and a walking mode. The frame includes a pair of substantially horizontally oriented base legs and an upright portion coupled to and extending generally upwardly from the base legs. The seat assembly is pivotally mounted to the upright portion and includes a seat platform, a pair of seat support legs generally extending from the seat platform, and a seat handle extending between the seat support legs. The seat assembly is positionable in either a seated position for operating the convertible walker in a riding mode or in an upright position for operating the convertible walker in a walking mode. The base legs can be selectively adjustable to widen or lessen the distance therebetween.

Abstract: A booster seat includes a storage compartment for a tray and/or a storage compartment for securing straps. The tray-storage compartment can be formed in a base of the seat and include an access opening through a sidewall of the base. The tray-storage compartment can include two opposite and inwardly-extending lips that support the tray in the stowed position, and a support foot that moves between a use position in the compartment where it helps support the seat and a stored position displaced from the compartment. Also, the tray-storage compartment can include ribs that engage the tray in the stowed position to retain it there. The strap-storage compartment can be formed in the base and include an access opening with a closure for retaining the straps in the compartment.

Abstract: A point of purchase display for coupling to a commercial product on display at a retail store. The point of purchase display includes a flexible and wrinkle-resistant sheet material having indicia displayed thereon and at least one coupling member for coupling the sheet material to the commercial product. In example forms, the indicia being displayed on the sheet material is provided for advertisement or instructional purposes of the commercial product.

Abstract: A play yard system for infants or small children. They play yard includes a frame, and the system includes at least one child support unit for mounting to the frame of the play yard. The at least one child support unit may take the form of a bassinet and/or a changing table. The play yard frame may be collapsible for storage and transport, and the child support unit may be removable from the play yard frame.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a powered children's toy configured for movement along a support surface. According to various embodiments, the powered children's toy includes a drive system configured to impart a motive force on the children's toy that causes the toy to roll, bounce, shake, or otherwise move along an eccentric motion path when placed upon a support surface (e.g., a floor). Various embodiments of the drive system are configured to drive a rotating member about a movable rotation axis, thereby generating a varying motive force that causes eccentric movement along the support surface. This varying motive force assists in freeing the toy ball from obstacles encountered on a support surface (e.g., a wall or piece of furniture). In addition, the children's toy may include a power supply provided in a fixed position within the children's toy and configured for convenient user access.