Universal Flexible Arm Having an Educational Attachment
A flexible arm apparatus 1 that has a base clamp 10, a support arm 75, an interface attachment 100, and capable of receiving an attachment 131, 140, or 150. The base clamp 10 has a threaded knob 43 that is rotatably secured at two ends and is used to move a second jaw 17 relative to a first jaw 12. The rotation cup 80 is secured into the top of the base clamp 10 with a retainer ring 87. The rotation cup 80 receives a first end 77 of the support arm 75, and a second end 78 is received by the interface attachment 100. The interface attachment 100 comprises a lower interface component 101 and an interface-mid component 102. Changeable attachments 131, 140, and 150 are securable to the interface attachment by use of a pringle 131 or 141. The rotation cup 80 and the retainer ring 87 allow angular rotation of the first end 77 of the support arm 75 relative to the clamp base 10. The interface-mid component 102 allows angular rotation of the attachment relative to the second end 78 of the support arm 75. Flexible arm 1 apparatus further includes at least one of an educational device and an entertainment device suspended therefrom.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a universal, flexible arm attachable and mountable to a surface, and, more particularly, to a universal, flexible arm which is able to be moved or maneuvered into a number of different positions or orientations and which includes at least one of an educational device or an entertainment device suspended from the flexible arm.
2. Description of the Related Art
Flexible or bendable arms that are attachable to a surface or that are supported by a base have been used for a number of different applications. For example, flexible or bendable arms have been attached to a surface and used for supporting or holding baby bottles, cups, lamps, or other such items. These flexible arms, which are attachable to a surface, have been able to provide different uses for toddlers, geriatric person(s), physically challenged person(s), etc. The flexible or bendable arms are able to provide a hands-free environment to the user of the arm and also are able to provide an easy or self positioning support for various items (i.e. baby bottles, cups, lamps, etc.).
Flexible arms attachable to a surface for holding baby bottles or cups have been particularly disclosed or taught in a number of prior art patents. Some examples of flexible arms attachable to a surface for holding baby bottles or cups are provided in the following prior art U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,135,189 to Ghazizadeh, 5,489,075 to Ible, 5,083,732 to Akamine, 4,114,847 to Bogensberger, and 3,635,431 to Mariner.
At least two types of attachment components (i.e. clips or clamps) for attaching a flexible arm to a surface appear to be disclosed by some of the U.S. prior art patents. The first type of clip or clamp for attaching the flexible arms to a surface is a screw engagement or screw attachment type clamp. Some examples of arms that use a screw engagement or screw attachment type clamp are provided in the following prior art U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,114,847 to Bogensberger, 3,635,431 to Mariner, 4,735,388 to Marks, 3,627,244 to Nicholas, 4,320,883 to Bass, 4,951,997 to Kenney, and 5,092,549 to Beech. A major problem with these screw engagement or screw attachment type clamps is that the screw travels forward and backward thereby creating excessive or awkward projection of the screw from the clamp. This excessive or awkward projection makes it difficult in some instances to mount the clamp in tight space situations.
The second type of clip or clamp for attaching the flexible arms to a surface is a spring actuated or spring held type clip or clamp. Some examples of flexible arms that use a spring actuated or spring held type clip or clamp for attaching a flexible arm to a surface are provided in the following prior art U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,135,189 to Ghazizadeh, 5,489,075 to Ible, 3,635,431 to Mariner, and 4,482,117 to Besek.
Though the above discussed patents disclose useful inventions, there is still a need for further improvement in the field. More specifically, there is a need for improvements in the clipping or clamping mechanism for these devices. One of the major problems which exist in some of the prior art devices is the excessive extension or projection of the clamping means from the device thereby making attachment or placement of the device difficult.
Again, the display device of U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,332 resembles that of U.S. Pat. No. 3,703,045 except that the surfaces of the inner structure are not indented and that the outer structure consists of two U-shaped portions that fit together to form a hexagonal object.
In addition to the prior art noted above, the universal flexible arm disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,486 to Smith et al. teaches a flexible arm that overcomes many of the disadvantages found in the noted art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,486 is incorporated herein by reference. While product based on the 5,823,486 patent has enjoyed commercial success for many years, the Smith patent fails to teach or provide for additional educational or entertainment devices attached to the Smith flexible arm.
Furthermore, there is a continuing need for improvements in the mechanisms which provide rotation (at either end of the arm) and/or flexation to the arm structure of the flexible arm. There is also a need to provide an improved interface between the flexible arm and a corresponding attachment. Additionally, there is a continuing need to further improve the safety features of these flexible arms. Additionally, there is a need to augment previously disclosed flexible arms with educational or entertainment devices so as to provide additional stimulation and to better occupy a child's time while a child is using the flexible arm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm useful for the care of toddlers, and physically challenged persons.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm which utilizes a stationary threaded screw to drive two jaw components relative to each other.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm which is capable of rotating the support arm relative to the base clamp.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm with an attachment interface which allows rotation of secured attachments relative to the support arm.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm which uses a pringle to secure an attachment to the attachment interface.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm that can easily be attached to a baby car seat, a baby stroller, a baby carrier, and the like.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm which is relatively lightweight.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm which comprises more than one means for varying the position for the attachment.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a universal flexible arm comprising a base clamp attached to a surface and a flexible arm connecting the clamping portion to an attachment interface which works with a multitude of different holders and attachments.
It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm in which the threaded screw of the vice clamp does not advance with the vice jaw.
It is still yet a further object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm which is capable of being clamped onto both flat and tubular surfaces.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm in which the bottle holder may be exchanged for a tray or cup attachment.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm that includes at least one educational device preferably suspended form the universal flexible arm.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm that includes at least one entertainment device preferably suspended form the universal flexible arm.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a universal flexible arm which combines all of the above objects.
The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its structure and its operation together with the additional objects and advantages thereof will best be understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The present invention is a universal flexible arm apparatus 1 that is attachable and mountable to a surface and is adapted to receive various attachments that can be used for different purposes and moved or maneuvered into a number of different positions or orientations.
1. Clamp Body
The base clamp 10 has a clamp body 11 with an attached fixed first jaw 12.
In
2. First and Second Jaws
The first jaw 12 is generally attached to the outside surface 14 near end 13 of clamp body 11, and the second jaw 17 is adapted to be received within the clamp body 11 and is capable of moving along the running channel 16. In
Three gripping components 23 are attached at an underside of the curved segment 12A. In the preferred embodiment, there are two outer positioned ribbed gripping components 23A and the inner positioned central ribbed gripping component 23B. Each gripping component 23 has a pair of spaced-apart ribs 24 having a generally concave curved surface 26, a flat surface 25 at one end of the component 23 which is attached to an end of the jaw 12 proximate to the clamp body 11; and a flat surface 27 at a distal end of the component 23. Preferably, the two outer positioned ribbed gripping components 23A project more from the curved segment 12A than the inner positioned central ribbed gripping component 23B.
The movable second jaw 17 has a gripping component 29 attached to a drive engage component 28. The gripping component 29 of the second jaw 17 is identical to the first jaw 12 except that inner sides of outer ribbed gripping components 23A which are attached to the first jaw 12 are configured to be positioned outside of and adjacent to outer sides of the outer gripping components 23A that are attached to the second jaw 17. In other words, the second jaw 17 is intentionally narrower than the first jaw 12 wherein the two outer gripping components 23 of the second jaw 17 are adapted to nestle within (i.e. not in direct opposite contact) the two outer gripping components 23 of the first jaw 12.
In
In
Rubber grips 37 shown in
3. Threaded Knob
Threaded knob 43 is used to drive the second jaw 17 within the channel 16 along the longitudinal axis of the clamp body 11. The threaded knob 43 has a cylindrical shaft 44 with left-handed external threads adapted to match the left-handed internal threads of the second jaw 17 (i.e. as stated earlier, the threads run counter to the standard direction). The external threads of the threaded knob 43 extend nearly the entire length of the cylindrical shaft 44, except for a final segment of a first end 45 and a second end 46 left unthreaded respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the cylindrical shaft 44 is a hollow shaft manufactured from polymers such as plastic or the like. The unthreaded portions serve to prevent over driving or over torquing the first and second jaws 12 and 17 in either an open or closed configuration. The spring biasing projections, discussed above, serve to help re-engage the drive component 28 onto the threaded portion of the threaded knob 43 when the second jaw 17 reaches either the top or bottom non-threaded portion of the threaded knob 43. Therefore, the spring biasing projections provides one of the important functions in helping prevent over driving of the second jaw 17 either toward the first jaw 12 by use of the upward projections 35 or toward the second end 15 of the clamp body 11 by use of the downward projection 36. In the preferred embodiment, each set of projections 35 and 36 is a pair of projections separated by 120 degrees of arc.
Drive knob 47 is attached to the first end 45 of the cylindrical shaft 44. The drive knob 47 includes a cylindrical internal flange 48 that is located and attached between the shaft 44 and the cylindrical knob grip 49 (i.e.
A channel 53 exists between the inner cylinder 52 and the knob grip 49. This channel 53 is adapted to receive the second end 15 of the clamp body 11, thereby adding strength and support to the clamp body 11. The knob grip 49 is further adapted to receive a cup-shaped knob cap 54 at the second end 15 of the clamp body 11. As shown in
A shaft tip 57 having an outer surface is attached to the second end 46 of the threaded knob 43. In
The threaded knob 43 is rotatably secured within the clamp body 11 by a knob clip 59. As shown in
The threaded knob 43 is secured within the clamp body 11 by forcing the knob clip 59 down over the projecting shaft tip 57. As the knob clip 59 is mounted over the shaft tip 57, the flanges 64 of the knob clip 59 make contact with the rings 58 of the threaded knob 43 which forces and expands the flanges 64 outwardly. After the knob clip 59 is fully inserted in place over the rings 58, the flanges 64 of knob clip 59 then return from the expanded position to their original position, thus locking the threaded knob 43 into place.
The components of the general first end of the present invention such as the base clamp 10, clamp body 11, first jaw 12, second jaw 17, partition 19, threaded knob 43, drive knob 47, knob grip 49, knob cap 54, and knob clip 59 are preferably made by twenty percent (20%) glass fill (or urethane or glass bead fiber) polycarbonate or any other suitable plastic material. Other suitable materials can also be used to make these components. Rubber grips 37 are preferably made from a suitable elastomeric rubber material that will provide frictional gripping. However, any other suitable material that provides frictional gripping may be used.
B. The Support Arm of the Present InventionAs shown in
One method of securing the foam tube 79 to the support wire 76 is to coat the support wire 76 with a low temperature melting glue (i.e. including but not limited to dipping the support wire 76 into molten glue). The molten glue is allowed to cool and harden, thus forming a hard outer coating on the support wire 76. This glue coated wire 76 is then inserted into the hollow portion 79A of the foam tube 79 and heated by methods such as applying direct or alternating current to the support wire 76, or using radio frequency heating. The heat generated by the support wire 76 melts the coated glue. When the melted glue cools, it forms a secure bond between the support wire 76 and the foam tube 79.
An alternate method of securing the foam tube 79 to the support wire 76 is to provide a long hollow tube-shaped glue structure (i.e. such as a mold made of solid glue material). The glue structure is fitted over the support wire 76. This glue structure and support wire assembly is then received into the foam tube 79, and the support wire 76 is heated to melt the glue, and the glue is allowed to re-solidify to form a secure bond between the support wire 76 and the foam tube 79. In the preferred embodiment, a low melting temperature glue is used to secure the foam tube 79 to the support arm 75 so that the foam tube 79 is not melted when the glue is being melted.
The wire 76 of the support arm 75 is preferably made from a resilient copper alloy that will provide flexible positioning of the arm 75. However, any other suitable material that provides flexible positioning of the arm 75 can also be used to make the wire 76. Furthermore, the foam tube 79 of the support arm 75 is preferably made from expanded polyethylene material which provides an insulated and soft exterior surface for the support arm 75. However, any other suitable material that provides an insulated and soft exterior surface for the support arm 75 can also be used to make the tube 79.
C. The Rotation Cup of the Present InventionAs seen in
The support wire 76 is inserted and tightly received within an inner channel of the hollow tubular portion 84. The hexagonal cross section of the support wire 76 provides a tight, non-rotatable fit by providing edges which press into the material of the foam 79. The foam tube 79 snugly fits within the channel that exists between the main cup portion 81 of the rotation cup 80 and the hollow tubular portion 84. The first end 77 of the support wire 76 extends through the main cup portion 81 via the channel of the tubular portion 84, into the hollow interior of the knob receiving portion 83, and into and through the threaded knob 43 and out the end of the cylindrical internal flange 48 wherein the first end 77 of the support wire 76 is applied a washer 86A and a speed nut 86B. The first end 77 of the support wire 76 is generally secured in or keyed into place by means well known in the art, preferably with a washer 86A and a speed nut 86B.
In
The rotation cup 80 is preferably made by twenty percent (20%) glass fill (or urethane or glass bead fiber) polycarbonate or any other suitable plastic material. Other suitable materials, however, can also be used to make this component so long as the cup 80 is able to be received and interfaced with the support arm 75.
D. The General Second End of the Present Invention1. Attachment Interface
a. Lower Interface
The lower interface component 101 is preferably made by twenty percent (20%) glass fill (or urethane or glass bead fiber) polycarbonate or any other suitable plastic material. Other suitable materials, however, can also be used to make this component.
b. Interface Mid
The interface-mid component 102 is also a generally hollow cylinder having a flat base 102A and an annular edge component 102B. The interior portion of the component 102 comprises a lower cylindrical hollow area 111 and an upper cylindrical hollow area 112. Pringle retaining hollows 115 are located opposite from each other within the lower hollow area 111 for receiving and retaining a pringle 133. A plurality of equally spaced, parallel fin gripping components 113 are located on the annular edge component 102B, and they generally extend from the annular edge component 102B to an end 102C. A portion 113A of each of these gripping components 113 extend above the top portion of the mid-interface component 102 which function to guide the pringle 133 into the interface mid component and also functions as a spacer between the interface mid component 102 and pringle 133. The base 102A and the annular edge component 102B of the interface-mid component are coplanar at end 102D. At end 102C, the top portion of the interface component 102 is curved downwards at the mid-section 102E to conform to the bottom convex shape of the pringle 133. Two other projecting fins 119 are located oppositely from each other at the downwardly curved mid-section 102E. The projecting fins 119 also function as spacers between the interface component 102 and the pringle 133.
A circular channel 102F in the interface-mid component 102 is located at the bottom side of the component 102 at end 102D, and the circular channel 102F is a circular groove that is defined by the main portion of the flat base 102A and an outer perimeter wall of the component 102. The circular channel 102F is placed over and receives the cylindrical body 103 of the lower interface 101 at the end 101A. The end of inner cylinder 104 of the lower interface 101 near the end 101A extends through an opening through flat base 102A. The second end 78 of the support wire 76 is inserted through the hollow portion of the inner cylinder 104 of the lower interface 101 wherein a portion of the second end 78 of the support wire 76 extends through the inner cylinder 104 of the lower interface 101 near end 101B. The interface assembly 100 is secured to the second end 78 of the support wire 76 by components or methods well known in the art, such as washer 86A and speed nut 86B or the like. Appropriate securing components will provide sufficient frictional forces to maintain an attachment to the interface assembly 100 in a particular position.
Furthermore, one advantage of the present invention is that the tension of the support wire 76 between the attachment interface 100 and the rotation cup 80 can be adjusted during manufacture of the flexible arm apparatus 1 by allowing the washers 86A and speed nuts 86B to be tightened at the desired positional length of the support wire 76. Angular or rotational repositioning of the attachment that is attached to the support arm 75 is accomplished by overcoming the frictional compressive forces in the interface assembly 100 (i.e. the attachment can then be rotated in different angular or rotational positions).
The interface mid component 102 is preferably made by twenty percent (20%) glass fill (or urethane or glass bead fiber) polycarbonate or any other suitable plastic material. Other suitable materials, however, can also be used to make this component.
Furthermore, a number of dips 900 can be located on the bottom side of the flat base 102A of the interface mid component 102, and a number of corresponding pips 950 can be located on the top side of the partition 105 of the lower interface component 101. Each dip 900 is able to rotatingly engage each of the different pips 950 which allows the bottle or cup holder 131 to be rotated to different (i.e. segmented) angular levels (i.e. the engaging pips 950 into the dips 900 provide segmented rotation between the interface mid component 102 and the lower interface component 101).
2. Pringle
The attaching pringle 133 has an arcuate shaped portion 135 with engaging feet 136. The arc of the pringle 133 is substantially shaped with the same contour or curvature of the inner portion of the foam cylinder holder 131. The engaging feet 136 of the pringle 133 are attached to an outer convex surface of the arcuate shaped portion 135. Each engaging foot 136 has an upwardly sloping engaging portion 136A. The engaging feet 136 can be inserted through engaging channels 134 of bottle or cup holder 131 such as shown in
The portion 113A of each gripping component 113 of the interface-mid component 102 guides the two engaging feet 136 towards the pringle retaining hollows 115 of the interface-mid component 102. The respective engaging portions 136A of the engaging feet 136 force the feet 136 to slightly bend inward from their preferred position as they are guided toward the pringle retaining hollows 115. When the feet 136 reach a position such that the engaging portions 136A are no longer in contact with the gripping component 113 but in the pringle retaining hollows 115, then the feet 136 return from their bent positions to their normally preferred positions. The pringle 133 then locks in place with the interface-mid 102 so that the a portion of the attachment (i.e. a foam portion of a holder 131) is sandwiched and secured between the pringle 133 and the interface-mid 102. The biting prongs 137 stick or poke into the foam bottle or cup holder 131, and the gripping components 113 of the interface mid component 102 grip the foam bottle or cup holder 131.
The pringle 133 is preferably made by twenty percent (20%) glass fill (or urethane or glass bead fiber) polycarbonate or any other suitable plastic material. Other suitable materials, however, can also be used to make this component.
E. Various Attachment Embodiments of the Present InventionThe present invention has several attachments 131, 140, 150, or any other suitable attachment that can be used with the present invention. One attachment embodiment for the present invention is a bottle, cup, or container holder 131 as shown in
A second attachment embodiment is a tray 140 as shown in
A third attachment embodiment is a bowl 150 as shown in
Any suitable material can be used to make the tray 140 and the bowl 150. Furthermore, the pringle 141 is preferably made by twenty percent (20%) glass fill (or urethane or glass bead fiber) polycarbonate or any other suitable plastic material. Other suitable materials, however, can also be used to make this component.
The preferred method of manufacture for the present invention is to use the materials (i.e. including but not limited to plastic, foam, etc.) described above since these materials provide a soft exterior or outer feel of the flexible arm apparatus 1 and a safer environment for children. However, any other suitable material(s) may be used to accomplish and provide the same or similar advantages,
The flexible arm apparatus 1 of the present invention can be attached to a number of different articles with various respective uses and applications. The flexible arm apparatus 10 is used by attaching it to a surface (i.e. including but not limited to the examples of different tables, chairs, seats, baby seats, baby carriers, etc.). A portion of the surface is placed between the jaws 12 and 17 of the base clamp 10. The threaded knob 43 is rotated until the jaws 12 and 17 both come into contact and clamp onto (i.e. sandwich) the surface. It is important to note that a major advantage of the present invention is that the threaded knob 43 is a worm drive or worm screw and remains stationary (i.e. the threaded knob 43 travel with either jaw 12 or 17). An attachment, such as a bottle or cup holder 131, tray 140, or bowl 150, is attached to the attachment interface 100 and the attachment is then used for its capable purposes (i.e. baby bottle 500 is inserted into the bottle holder 131 as shown in
In a fourth alternate embodiment, the invention defines universal flexible arm 1 wherein flexible arm 1 includes an educational device defining a cube 1010 having raised letters thereon suspended from flexible arm 1. Cube 1010 further preferably includes an attachment hook 1002 connected to cube 1010. The embodiment includes a Velcro strap 1004 having a first end and a second end. The first end of strap 1004 is fastened to flexible arm 1 and the second end of strap 1004 is fastened to hook 1002 such that cube 1010 is swinginly suspended from flexible arm 1. With cube 1010 thereby suspended, a child's educational experience is enhanced while using flexible arm 1. It is noted that flexible arm 1 may include any of baby bottle/cup holder 131, tray 140, or bowl 150 connected to arm 1.
In a fifth alternate embodiment, the invention defines universal flexible arm 1 wherein flexible arm 1 includes an educational device defining a picture book 1020 suspended from flexible arm 1. Picture book 1020 further preferably includes an attachment hook 1002 connected to book 1020. The embodiment includes a Velcro strap 1004 having a first end and a second end. The first end of strap 1004 is fastened to flexible arm 1 and the second end of strap 1004 is fastened to hook 1002 such that cube 1010 is swinginly suspended from flexible arm 1. With book 1020 thereby suspended, a child's educational experience is enhanced while using flexible arm 1. It is noted that flexible arm 1 may include any of baby bottle/cup holder 131, tray 140, or bowl 150 connected to arm 1.
In a sixth alternate embodiment, the invention defines universal flexible arm 1 wherein flexible arm 1 includes an educational device defining a set of keys 1030 suspended from flexible arm 1. Key set 1030 are preferably defines a smoothly rounded plastic set of keys 1030 having an attachment hook 1002 connected to key set 1030. The embodiment includes a Velcro strap 1004 having a first end and a second end. The first end of strap 1004 is fastened to flexible arm 1 and the second end of strap 1004 is fastened to hook 1002 such that key set 1030 is swinginly suspended from flexible arm 1. With key set 1030 thereby suspended, a child's educational experience is enhanced while using flexible arm 1. It is noted that flexible arm 1 may include any of baby bottle/cup holder 131, tray 140, or bowl 150 connected to arm 1.
In a seventh alternate embodiment, the invention defines universal flexible arm 1 wherein flexible arm 1 includes an entertainment device defining a doll 1040 suspended from flexible arm 1. Doll 1040 further preferably includes an attachment hook 1002 connected to doll 1040. The embodiment includes a Velcro strap 1004 having a first end and a second end. The first end of strap 1004 is fastened to flexible arm 1 and the second end of strap 1004 is fastened to hook 1002 such that doll 1040 is swinginly suspended from flexible arm 1. With doll 1040 thereby suspended, a child's entertainment experience is enhanced while using flexible arm 1. It is noted that flexible arm 1 may include any of baby bottle/cup holder 131, tray 140, or bowl 150 connected to arm 1.
In an eighth alternate embodiment, the invention defines universal flexible arm 1 wherein flexible arm 1 includes an entertainment device defining a toy stuffed animal 1050 suspended from flexible arm 1. Toy stuffed animal 1050 further preferably includes an attachment hook 1002 connected to toy stuffed animal 1050. The embodiment includes a Velcro strap 1004 having a first end and a second end. The first end of strap 1004 is fastened to flexible arm 1 and the second end of strap 1004 is fastened to hook 1002 such that cube 1010 is swinginly suspended from flexible arm 1. With toy stuffed animal 1050 thereby suspended, a child's entertainment experience is enhanced while using flexible arm 1. It is noted that flexible arm 1 may include any of baby bottle/cup holder 131, tray 140, or bowl 150 connected to arm 1.
In a ninth alternate embodiment, the invention defines universal flexible arm 1 wherein flexible arm 1 includes an entertainment device defining a pacifier 1060 suspended from flexible arm 1. Pacifier 1060 further preferably includes an attachment hook 1002 connected to pacifier 1060. The embodiment includes a Velcro strap 1004 having a first end and a second end. The first end of strap 1004 is fastened to flexible arm 1 and the second end of strap 1004 is fastened to hook 1002 such that pacifier 1060 is swinginly suspended from flexible arm 1. With pacifier 1060 thereby suspended, a child's entertainment experience is enhanced while using flexible arm 1. It is noted that flexible arm 1 may include any of baby bottle/cup holder 131, tray 140, or bowl 150 connected to arm 1.
In a tenth alternate embodiment, the invention defines universal flexible arm 1 wherein flexible arm 1 includes an entertainment device defining a teething ring 1070 suspended from flexible arm 1. Teething ring 1070 further preferably includes an attachment hook 1002 connected to teething ring 1070. The embodiment includes a Velcro strap 1004 having a first end and a second end. The first end of strap 1004 is fastened to flexible arm 1 and the second end of strap 1004 is fastened to hook 1002 such that teething ring 1070 is swinginly suspended from flexible arm 1. With teething ring 1070 thereby suspended, a child's entertainment experience is enhanced while using flexible arm 1. It is noted that flexible arm 1 may include any of baby bottle/cup holder 131, tray 140, or bowl 150 connected to arm 1.
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments and best mode of the invention known to applicant at the time of filing the application has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Likewise, any use of the words “function” or “means” in the Detailed Description is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6 to define his invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6 are sought to be invoked to define the invention, the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in support of the function. Even when the claims recite a “means for” or “step for” performing a function, if they also recite any structure, material, or acts in support of that means or step, then the invention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the inventors invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6 to define the invention, it is the intention that the invention not be limited only to the specific structure, material, or acts that are described in his preferred embodiment. Rather, if the claims specifically invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, Paragraph 6, it is nonetheless the intention to cover and include any and all structures, materials, or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later developed equivalent structures, materials, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Claims
1. A flexible arm apparatus comprising:
- a) a securement device adapted to releasably secure said securement device to a structure;
- b) a flexible support arm having a first end and a second end;
- c) an attachment interface, and;
- d) an attachment,
- and wherein said securement device is rotatably attached to said first end of said flexible support arm, and wherein said attaching interface is rotatably attached to said second end of said flexible support arm, and wherein said attaching interface is rotatably attached to said attachment such that when said securement device is secured to a structure and said flexible support arm is flexibly positioned in a desired orientation, said attachment provides support for an article at a desired position, and wherein said apparatus includes at least one of an educational device and an entertainment device suspended from a Velcro strap that is connected to said flexible support arm of said apparatus.
2. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 1 wherein said educational device defines at least one of a block having alphabetical letters formed thereon, a book, and a set of keys, and wherein said entertainment device defines at least one of a toy doll, a toy animal, a pacifier, and a teething ring.
3. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 1 wherein said securement device defines a clamp assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw, and wherein said clamp assembly further comprises:
- a) a tubular clamp body having said first jaw securely attached thereto;
- b) the second jaw moveably received by said tubular clamp body, and;
- c) a screw that couples said first jaw to said second jaw and wherein said screw is used to drive said clamp assembly, and wherein said screw is housed within said tubular clamp body.
4. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 3 wherein said screw is a worm screw that is generally attached at two ends within said tubular clamp body and said worm screw is rotated to drive said second jaw along a lengthwise axis of said tubular clamp body.
5. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 3 wherein said screw further comprises a threaded knob having:
- a) a cylindrical shaft having a first end and a second end;
- b) external threading located along a generally middle length surface of said cylindrical shaft;
- c) a non-threaded portion generally located at said first end of said cylindrical shaft;
- d) a drive knob attached to said first end of said cylindrical shaft;
- e) another non-threaded portion generally located at said second end of said cylindrical shaft; and
- f) a shaft tip attached to said second end of said cylindrical shaft.
6. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 5 wherein said threaded drive knob further comprises:
- a) a washer-shaped knob flange; and
- b) a cylindrical hand grip attached to an outer perimeter of the knob flange to define a cylindrical channel that receives a second end of said clamp body wherein said drive knob is able to rotatingly move within said cylindrical channel.
7. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support arm further comprises:
- a) a support wire having a hexagonal cross section and a first end and a second end; and
- b) a low density, expandable polymer foam cover that encloses said support wire, said foam having a corresponding hexagonal shaped hollow for receiving said support wire.
8. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attachment interface further defines a lower interface component and an interface-mid component movably attached to said lower interface component to allow rotational movement between said interface-mid component and said lower interface component, and wherein said lower interface component further comprises:
- a) a hollow outer cylindrical body,
- b) an inner hollow cylinder positioned concentrically within said outer cylindrical body wherein said inner cylinder is coplanar with said cylindrical body at a first end and wherein said inner cylinder extends beyond said outer cylindrical body at a second end; and
- c) a circular partition attached between said inner hollow cylinder and said outer cylindrical body wherein circular partition is positioned relatively near said inner hollow cylinder first end,
- and wherein said interface-mid component further comprises:
- e) retaining hollows located in the interior portions of said interface-mid component for receiving and retaining said attachment;
- f) gripping components located in the interface-mid component to guide said attachment so that said attachment is engaged with said interface-mid component and wherein said gripping components are able to grip said attachment, and
- g) fins located in the interface-mid component to function as spacers between said interface-mid component and said attachment.
9. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attachment defines at least one of a bottle holder for holding a baby bottle, a cup holder for holding a baby cup, a tray for holding various articles, and a bowl.
10. A flexible arm apparatus comprising:
- a) a securement device adapted to releasably secure said securement device to a structure;
- b) a flexible support arm having a first end and a second end, and;
- c) an attachment interface, and;
- d) an attachment,
- and wherein said securement device is rotatably attached to said first end of said flexible support arm, and wherein said attachment interface is rotatably attached to said second end of said flexible support arm, and wherein said attaching interface is rotatably attached to said attachment such that when said securement device is secured to a structure and said flexible support arm is flexibly positioned in a desired orientation, said attachment provides support for an article at a desired position, and wherein said apparatus includes at least one device of the following group of devices connected to a Velcro strap that is connected to said flexible support arm of said apparatus, said group of devices consisting of a toy doll, a toy animal, a pacifier, a teething ring, a block having alphabetical letters formed thereon, a book, and a set of keys.
11. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 10 wherein said securement device defines a clamp assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw, and wherein said clamp assembly further comprises:
- a) a tubular clamp body having said first jaw securely attached thereto;
- b) the second jaw moveably received by said tubular clamp body, and;
- c) a screw that couples said first jaw to said second jaw and wherein said screw is used to drive said clamp assembly, and wherein said screw is housed within said tubular clamp body.
12. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 11 wherein said screw is a worm screw that is generally attached at two ends within said tubular clamp body and said worm screw is rotated to drive said second jaw along a lengthwise axis of said tubular clamp body.
13. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 11 wherein said screw further comprises a threaded knob having:
- a) a cylindrical shaft having a first end and a second end;
- b) external threading located along a generally middle length surface of said cylindrical shaft;
- c) a non-threaded portion generally located at said first end of said cylindrical shaft;
- d) a drive knob attached to said first end of said cylindrical shaft;
- e) another non-threaded portion generally located at said second end of said cylindrical shaft; and
- f) a shaft tip attached to said second end of said cylindrical shaft.
14. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 13 wherein said threaded drive knob further comprises:
- a) a washer-shaped knob flange; and
- b) a cylindrical hand grip attached to an outer perimeter of the knob flange to define a cylindrical channel that receives a second end of said clamp body wherein said drive knob is able to rotatingly move within said cylindrical channel.
15. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 10 wherein said support arm further comprises:
- a) a support wire having a hexagonal cross section and a first end and a second end; and
- b) a low density, expandable polymer foam cover that encloses said support wire, said foam having a corresponding hexagonal shaped hollow for receiving said support wire.
16. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 10 wherein said attachment interface further defines a lower interface component and an interface-mid component movably attached to said lower interface component to allow rotational movement between said interface-mid component and said lower interface component, and wherein said lower interface component further comprises:
- a) a hollow outer cylindrical body,
- b) an inner hollow cylinder positioned concentrically within said outer cylindrical body wherein said inner cylinder is coplanar with said cylindrical body at a first end and wherein said inner cylinder extends beyond said outer cylindrical body at a second end; and
- c) a circular partition attached between said inner hollow cylinder and said outer cylindrical body wherein circular partition is positioned relatively near said inner hollow cylinder first end,
- and wherein said interface-mid component further comprises:
- e) retaining hollows located in the interior portions of said interface-mid component for receiving and retaining said attachment;
- f) gripping components located in the interface-mid component to guide said attachment so that said attachment is engaged with said interface-mid component and wherein said gripping components are able to grip said attachment, and
- g) fins located in the interface-mid component to function as spacers between said interface-mid component and said attachment.
17. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 10 wherein said attachment defines at least one of a bottle holder for holding a baby bottle, a cup holder for holding a baby cup, a tray for holding various articles, and a bowl.
18. A flexible arm apparatus comprising:
- a) a clamp assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw;
- b) a worm screw that couples the first jaw to the second jaw wherein the worm screw is generally attached at two ends within the clamp assembly and is rotated to drive the second jaw along a lengthwise axis of the clamp assembly;
- c) a flexible support arm having a first end attached to the clamp assembly;
- d) a lower interface component attached to a second end of the support arm;
- e) an interface-mid component movably attached to the lower interface component to allow rotational movement between the interface-mid component and the lower interface component;
- f) an attaching component having at least one attaching mechanism that engages to the interface-mid component wherein the attaching component is able to secure an attachment to the interface-mid component, said attachment defining at least one of a bottle holder for holding a baby bottle, a cup holder for holding a baby cup, a tray for holding various articles, and a bowl;
- g) a rotation cup interfaced between the clamp assembly and the support arm wherein a portion of the rotation cup is placed in the clamp assembly and the rotation cup allows the support arm to be adjustably rotated to various positions relative to the clamp assembly, and
- h) a retainer ring that is fitted around the support arm and secured to the clamp assembly wherein the retainer ring secures the support arm in a particular rotated position.
- and wherein said apparatus includes at least one device of the following group of devices suspended from a Velcro strap that is connected to said flexible support arm of said apparatus, said group of devices consisting of a toy doll, a toy animal, a pacifier, a teething ring, a block having alphabetical letters formed thereon, a book, and a set of keys.
19. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 18 wherein said clamp assembly further comprises:
- a) a tubular clamp body having said first jaw securely attached thereto;
- b) the second jaw moveably received by said tubular clamp body, and;
- c) a screw that couples said first jaw to said second jaw and wherein said screw is used to drive said clamp assembly, and wherein said screw is housed within said tubular clamp body.
20. The flexible arm apparatus of claim 18 wherein said attaching mechanism further defines a lower interface component and wherein said interface-mid component is movably attached to said lower interface component to allow rotational movement between said interface-mid component and said lower interface component, and wherein said lower interface component further comprises:
- a) a hollow outer cylindrical body,
- b) an inner hollow cylinder positioned concentrically within said outer cylindrical body wherein said inner cylinder is coplanar with said cylindrical body at a first end and wherein said inner cylinder extends beyond said outer cylindrical body at a second end; and
- c) a circular partition attached between said inner hollow cylinder and said outer cylindrical body wherein circular partition is positioned relatively near said inner hollow cylinder first end,
- and wherein said interface-mid component further comprises:
- e) retaining hollows located in the interior portions of said interface-mid component for receiving and retaining said attachment;
- f) gripping components located in the interface-mid component to guide said attachment so that said attachment is engaged with said interface-mid component and wherein said gripping components are able to grip said attachment, and
- g) fins located in the interface-mid component to function as spacers between said interface-mid component and said attachment.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 29, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 14, 2010
Inventor: Margaret K. Smith (Paradise Valley, AZ)
Application Number: 11/829,909