FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a child entertainment device that can be attached to the handle of an infant seat with one hand and released from the child seat with one hand.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Modern infant carriers, or child seats, have a basket portion and an inverted U-shaped handle having two opposed, spaced-apart side bars pivotally attached to the basket portion and a cross bar connecting the non-pivoting ends of the sidebars. The handle is usually shaped for ergonomic utility and lacks a constant geometric cross-section, making attachment of accessories, such as amusement devices for infants, difficult.
The present inventors have observed that, because mothers usually have their hands full, a device for attaching an amusement device to the child seat should be attachable and releasable with one hand. The current art uses tapes with hook and loop fasteners or mechanical clamps for attaching items to the infant seat handle, which typically require two-handed operation for attachment.
The present inventors have observed that, because child seats often double as child car seats, it is important for the child seat attachment to be easily removable. Child seat attachments should not be used when the child seat is used as a car seat for safety reasons. Arguably, a person attaching a device to a child car seat has thereby manufactured a new car seat that is not in compliance with Department of Transportation safety regulations for child car seats.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a child seat attachment that can be attached using one hand and can be detached using one hand. Further, it is desirable to provide a child seat attachment that is safe for use around infants. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A child seat attachment for a child seat handle side bar having a narrow portion and a wide portion, the child seat attachment including: a panel having a rear surface and two spaced apart wings coupled to the panel and sized, shaped, and arranged to engage a child seat handle side bar between at least a portion of each wing of the two spaced apart wings and at least a portion of the rear surface; wherein the two spaced apart wings are spaced apart by a distance greater than such narrow portion and less than such wide portion. Such child seat attachment, wherein the wings coupled to the panel include the wings rotationally coupled to the panel. Such child seat attachment, wherein the panel has a front surface, the child seat attachment further including a child amusement device coupled to the panel at least one of: proximate to the front surface; and extending from the front surface. Such child seat attachment, wherein the child amusement device coupled to the panel includes a child amusement device releasably coupled to the panel. Such child seat attachment, wherein the child amusement device coupled to the panel includes a child amusement device flexibly coupled to the panel. Such child seat attachment, wherein the child amusement device coupled to the panel includes a child amusement device extendibly coupled to the panel. Such child seat attachment, wherein the child amusement device coupled to the panel includes a child amusement device integral to the panel. Such child seat attachment, wherein the child seat attachment further includes at least one releasable coupling operable to releasably couple the child amusement device to the panel. Such child seat attachment, wherein the wings include a resilient material. Such child seat attachment, wherein the wings include a friction-enhancing material. Such child seat attachment, wherein each wing of the wings includes a plurality of webs. Such child seat attachment, further including an articulatible coupling operable to couple the panel to a child amusement device. Such child seat attachment, wherein the panel includes an arcuate panel.
A child seat attachment for a child seat handle side bar having a narrow portion and a wide portion, the child seat attachment including: a panel having a front surface and a rear surface; at least two spaced apart wings coupled to the panel and sized, shaped, and arranged to engage a child seat handle side bar between at least a portion of each of the wings and at least a portion of the rear surface; wherein the two spaced apart wings are spaced apart by a distance greater than such narrow portion and less than such wide portion; and a child amusement device coupled to the panel proximate to the front surface or extending from the front surface. Such child seat attachment, wherein the wings coupled to the panel include the wings rotationally coupled to the panel. Such child seat attachment, wherein the child amusement device coupled to the panel includes a child amusement device that is releasably coupled to the panel, flexibly coupled to the panel, extendibly coupled to the panel, and/or integral to the panel. Such child seat attachment, wherein the wings include a resilient material, a friction-enhancing material, and/or a plurality of webs. Such child seat attachment, wherein the panel includes an arcuate panel. Such child seat attachment, wherein at least one wing of the two wings includes an arcuate wing.
A child seat attachment for a child seat handle side bar having a narrow portion and a wide portion, the child seat attachment including: a panel having a front surface and a rear surface; at least two spaced apart wings coupled to the panel and sized, shaped, and arranged to engage a child seat handle side bar between at least a portion of each of the wings and at least a portion of the rear surface; wherein the two spaced apart wings are spaced apart by a distance greater than such narrow portion and less than such wide portion; and a child amusement device coupled to the panel proximate to the front surface and/or extending from the front surface; wherein the child amusement device coupled to the panel includes a child amusement device that is releasably coupled to the panel, flexibly coupled to the panel, extendibly coupled to the panel, and/or integral to the panel; wherein at least one wing the two wings include a resilient material, a friction-enhancing material, a plurality of webs, and/or an arcuate shape.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and
FIG. 1 is a rear elevation view illustrating an exemplary child seat attachment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a rear view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, in an initial engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 1, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a rear view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of an exemplary child seat attachment, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, in an initial engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating the exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a rear elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a side elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a rear view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of an exemplary child seat attachment, according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 24 is a side view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 23, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 25 is a front view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 23, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 23, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 27 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 23, in an initial engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 28 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 23, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a side view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 23, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 30 is a rear elevation view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of an exemplary child seat attachment, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 31 is a side elevation view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 30, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 32 is a front elevation view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 30, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 30, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 34 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 30, in an initial engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 35 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 30, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 36 is a side view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment of FIG. 30, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 37 is a front elevation view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 38 is a side elevation view illustrating the fifth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment of FIG. 37, according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 39 is a top elevation view illustrating the fifth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment of FIG. 37, according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment, according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 41 is a rear elevation view illustrating a seventh exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment, according to the seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 42 is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary bracket portion of the seventh exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment of FIG. 41, according to the seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 43 is a rear elevation view illustrating an eighth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment, according to the eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 44 is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary bracket portion of the eighth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 4300 of FIG. 43, according to the eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 45 is a top plan view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the ninth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 4500, according to the ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 46 is a rear elevation view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the ninth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment of FIG. 45, according to the ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention
FIG. 47 is a front elevation view illustrating an exemplary child seat attachment, according to a tenth exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 48 is a front perspective view illustrating an exemplary child seat attachment, according to an eleventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a rear elevation view illustrating an exemplary child seat attachment 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Child seat attachment 100 includes a panel 102 with rear surface 105 and two spaced apart opposing wings 101 coupled to the panel 102. Wings 101 are preferably of a resilient material and are sized, shaped, and arranged to engage a child seat handle side bar 202 between at least a portion of each of the wings 101 and at least a portion of the rear surface 105. Wings 101 may include a plurality of webs, such as webs 106 and 108 (See FIGS. 2 and 4), operable to urge a child seat handle side bar (See FIGS. 9-11) against the rear surface 105 of panel 105 and against opposing wings 101. Child amusement device 104 is coupled proximate to at least a portion of the front surface 103 (See FIG. 7) of the panel 102. Child amusement device 104 may provide audible, visual, olfactory, and/or tactile amusement for a child in the child seat carrier to which the child seat attachment 100 is releasably attached. The child amusement device 104 may be a chew toy or teething ring for a child. The child amusement device 104 may have an amusing taste. Child amusement device 104 is shown as an electronic music-player, but the invention is not so limited as to size, function, or shape. The entire exterior of the child seat attachment 100 may be made of materials known in the art of teething toys.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Releasable coupling 110 may be used for coupling, or to assist in coupling, child amusement device 104 proximate to panel 102. Releasable coupling 112 may be used for coupling, or to assist in coupling, child amusement device 104 proximate to panel 102. Web 108 of wing 101 extends from panel 102 to web 106. Webs 108 are sized, oriented, and shaped to engage the sides of most child seat handle side bars 202, while webs 106 are sized, oriented, and shaped to engage the front and back surfaces of most child seat handle side bars 202.
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Child amusement device 104 has push buttons 116 and a speaker grill 114 to protect a speaker internal to child amusement device 104. In a preferred embodiment, each button 116 corresponds to a different melody, which may be selected by the parent or the child. The buttons may include lights of different colors, which may vary with the melody selected.
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. While the wings 101, including webs 108 and webs 106, are shown as continuous and as half the length of the panel 102, other configurations of the wings 101 are included in the present invention, as will be discussed in more detail below. In a preferred embodiment, panel 102 and wings 101 are integral: panel 102 and wings 101 are molded as a single piece.
FIG. 5 is a rear view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The bracket portion of the child seat attachment 100 includes the panel 102, the wings 101 and the attachments 112 and 110.
FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The panel is preferably of a still resilient material. All edges are preferably chamfered and all corners rounded (not shown) for the safety of the child. Rear surface 105 may be a friction-enhancing surface, either by surface treatment or by a coating.
FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Front surface 103 of panel 102 may be a friction-enhancing surface and/or a padded surface.
FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The opposed nature of the webs 106 and 108 of wings 101 may be clearly seen. Distance 109 between webs 106 is preferably wider than the narrowest portion of child seat handle side bars 202, while distance 111 between webs 108 is preferably narrower than the widest portion of child seat handle side bars 202.
FIG. 9 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, in an initial engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 202, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The narrow distance 109 between wings 106 is wider than a narrow part 204 of child seat handle side bar 202. Rear surface 105 is placed, by the user, against front surface 208 (See FIG. 11) of child seat handle side bar 202 at a point where the child seat handle side bar 202 is narrower than distance 109. Wings 101 extend beyond the rear surface 210 (See FIG. 11) of the child seat handle side bar 202. Child seat handle side bar 202 arcuately expands to a wider portion 206.
FIG. 10 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 202, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. From the point of initial engagement, illustrated in FIG. 9, the child seat attachment 100 is moved toward a wider portion 206 of child seat handle side bar 202 until the webs 108 of wings 101 at least partially engage the left side 212 and the right side 214 of the child seat handle side bar 202. The resiliency of the wings 101 then maintains the child seat attachment 100 in position. Webs 106 and 108 resiliently hold the child seat attachment 100 to child seat handle side bar 202.
FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 100 of FIG. 1, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 202, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The front surface 208 of the child seat handle side bar 202 engages the rear surface 105 of the panel 102 and the rear surface 210 of the child seat handle side bar 202 is engaged by webs 106 of wings 101. Web 108 at least partially engages side 212 of the child seat handle side bar 202
FIG. 12 is a rear view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of an exemplary child seat attachment 1200, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Wings 1201 extend the entire length of panel 1202 and are rotationally coupled to panel 1202 on rotational couplings 1220 (see FIG. 14). Each wing 1201 is preferably a U-shaped channel with an adaptation 1222 (See FIG. 15) for a rotational coupling. Each U-shaped channel has a web 1206, which extends around and engages the rear surface 210 of child seat handle side bar 202. Rear surface 1205 of panel 1202 will be used to
FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Each wing 1201 has a web 1208 from which web 1206 extends. While the webs 206 and 208 have been shown as generally rectangular, the invention is not so limited. Each wing 1201 is rotationally coupled proximate panel 1202.
FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Panel 1202 (shown without wings 1201, has rotational couplings 1220 extending from the rear surface 1205. In a simple embodiment, these may be pins with attachable heads, such that the pin provides an axis of rotation and the head attached head retains the wing 1201.
FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Each wing 1201 has a third web 1218 that forms the third side of the U-shaped channel. The third web 1218 has an adaptation 1222 for the rotational coupling 1220. In a simple embodiment, the adaptation 1222 may be a hole sized, shaped, and located to receive a pin. While web 1218 is a mirror image of web 1206 (except for the adaptation 1222), the invention is not so limited.
FIG. 16 is a rear view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, in an initial engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 202, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. At least a portion of the rear surface 1205 of panel 1202 engages at least a portion of the front side 208 of the child seat handle side bar 202.
FIG. 17 is a rear view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 202, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Rotationally coupled wings 1201 rotate in response to the child seat attachment 1200 being moved toward the wider portion of child seat handle side bar 202 and engage the sides 208 and 210 of the child seat handle side bar 202 to maintain a constant position. The child seat attachment 1200 may be installed on and removed from the child seat handle side bar 202 using one hand. This is a great advantage to those providing care for small children, as the caregiver's hands are often full.
FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 202, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Portions of webs 1206, 1208, and 1218 of wings 1201 are visible in this view. Web 1208 at least partially engages side 212 of the child seat handle side bar 202.
FIG. 19 is a rear elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Panel 1202 supports child amusement device 1204 on front side surface 1202 (see FIG. 14) and a pair of opposed wings 1201 each rotationally coupled to panel 1202 and each having a web 1206.
FIG. 20 is a side elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Releasable coupling 1210 and 1212 retain child amusement device 1204 proximate the front side 1203 of panel 1202. Various couplings 1210 and 1212 may be used including, without limitation, bags, cups, hook and loop fasteners, rigid supports, and elastomeric webs.
FIG. 21 is a front elevation view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a particular embodiment, front panel 1230 of child amusement device 1204 may couple to panel 1202. For example, front panel 1230 may snap fit to panel 1202, wherein the snap fittings are the releasable couplings 1210 and 1212. In an alternate embodiment, front panel 1230 may be affixed to panel 102. Web 1208 of wing 1201 is visible in this view. Actuators 1216 may be buttons, knobs, toggles, or the like. Responsive source 1214 may be a speaker, light display, video screen, or the like.
FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 1200 of FIG. 12, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The size relationships of webs 1206, 1208, and 1218 are not limited to those shown. For example, in a particular embodiment, web 1218 may extend around rotational coupling adaptation 1222 and then taper to web 1218 and disappear. Likewise, the shapes of webs 1208 and 1206, are not limited to rectangles, but may, in a particular embodiment, be shaped conformally to a particular portion of a particular child seat handle side bar 202.
FIG. 23 is a rear view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of an exemplary child seat attachment 2300, according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Exemplary child seat attachment 2300 is similar to exemplary child seat attachment 1200, but the wings 2301 do not extend along the entire length of panel 2302. While the wings 2301 are shown aligned with the top of panel 2302, the invention is not so limited. Various positions which maintain rotational couplings 2320 on the upper half of panel 2302 may be used. Wings 2301 have webs 2306 for engaging the rear surface 210 of the child seat handle side bar 202 and urging the rear surface 2305 against the front surface 208 of the child seat handle side bar 202.
FIG. 24 is a side view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 2300 of FIG. 23, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Web 2308 of wing 2301 is rotationally coupled to panel 2302 and is proximal to panel 2302.
FIG. 25 is a front view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 2300 of FIG. 23, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The rear surface 2303 of panel 2302 (shown without wings 2301) includes rotational couplings 2320.
FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 2300 of FIG. 23, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Each wing of opposed pair of wings 2301 include webs 2306, 2308, and 2318 as well as rotational coupling adaptation 2322.
FIG. 27 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 2300 of FIG. 23, in an initial engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 202, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The user initially positions the child seat attachment 2300 against the child seat handle side bar 202 at a point where the child seat handle side bar 202 is narrow. The shorter wings of child seat attachment 2300 (as compared to child seat attachment 1200) allow use with child seat handle side bars 202 with shorter narrow portions.
FIG. 28 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 2300 of FIG. 23, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 202, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Wings 2301 rotate independently about rotational couplings 2320 as the child seat attachment 2300 is moved to a wider portion of the child seat handle side bar 202. Webs 2306, preferably made of a resilient material, engages the rear surface 210 of the child seat handle side bar 202 to urge the rear surface 2302 of the child seat attachment 2300 against the front surface 208 of the child seat handle side bar 202. Wings 2301 also engage sides 212 and 214 of the child seat handle side bar 202.
FIG. 29 is a side view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 2300 of FIG. 23, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 202, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Child amusement device 2304 may be releasably coupled to panel 2302 by elastomeric bands 2312, which are adaptable to releasably couple child amusement devices of various shapes and types to panel 2302. Web 2308 engages a side 212 of child seat handle side bar 202.
FIG. 30 is a rear elevation view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of an exemplary child seat attachment 3000, according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Wings 3001 are coupled to panel 3002 above the center of panel 3002. Wings 3001 have webs 3006 that are wider at the ends distal from the top edge 3031 of panel 3002. Webs 3008 of wings 3001 are angled, relative to a centerline 3030 between the pair of wings 3001. Panel 3002, shown as rectangular, may be of various functional and decorative shapes, and need not be symmetrical.
FIG. 31 is a side elevation view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 3000 of FIG. 30, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Web 3008 is not rectangular, but widens distally from top edge 3031 of panel 3002. Wings 3001 may be manufactured as separate pieces with web 3018 used to couple to panel 3002 by conventional bonding means. In a preferred embodiment, wings 3001 and panel 3002 are manufactured as a single piece, and web 3018 may be omitted. A portion of a hook and loop fastener 3012 is affixed to panel 3002 as a releasable coupling for a child amusement device 3004 (see FIG. 36). The shape and relative size of the hook and loop fastener portion 3012 may vary considerably within functional limits.
FIG. 32 is a front elevation view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 3000 of FIG. 30, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Panel 3002 may be entire, as shown, or perforated with openings of various sizes. Front surface 3003 of panel 3002 supports portion of hook and loop fastener 3012, which may be the hook or the loop portion.
FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the exemplary child seat attachment 3000 of FIG. 30, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a particular embodiment in which the child seat attachment 3000 is formed as a single piece, webs 3018 of wings 3001 may be omitted. In an alternative embodiment, webs 3008 and 3006 may be merged into a curved wing 3001.
FIG. 34 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 3000 of FIG. 30, in an initial engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 3402, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Child seat handle side bar 3402 widens and thickens over its length. The approach to attachment of the child seat attachment 3000 to the child seat handle side bar 3402 is the same as for the previous embodiments. A narrow portion of the child seat handle side bar 3402 is selected and the rear surface 3005 is positioned proximate to front surface 3408 (See FIG. 36) of child seat handle side bar 3402. Wings 3001 do not engage child seat handle side bar 3402 at this point.
FIG. 35 is a rear view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 3000 of FIG. 30, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 3402, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Child seat attachment 3000 has been moved to a wider portion of child seat handle side bar 3402 where webs 3006 engage the rear surface 3410 of child seat handle side bar 3402 and webs 3008 engage sides 3412 and 3414 of child seat handle side bar 3402. In particular embodiments, the child seat attachments 100, 1200, 2300, and 3000 may be releasably coupled to child seat handle side bar 3402 with the panel proximate the rear surface, such as 3410, of the child seat handle side bar 3402, rather than the front surface, such as 3408.
FIG. 36 is a side view illustrating the exemplary child seat attachment 3000 of FIG. 30, in a final engagement position relative to a child seat handle side bar 3402, according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Complimentary hook and loop portion 3014, affixed to child amusement device 3004, engages hook and loop portion 3014 that is coupled to panel 3002. Webs 3018 engage the front surface 3408 of child seat handle side bar 3402. Webs 3006 engage the rear surface 3410 of the child seat handle side bar 3402. Webs 3008 engage sides 3412 (shown) and 3414 (not visible in this view).
FIG. 37 is a front elevation view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 3700, according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The case 3705 of the child amusement device 3704 is integral with wings 3701 (See FIG. 38).
FIG. 38 is a side elevation view illustrating the fifth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 3700 of FIG. 37, according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Webs 3708 extend from case 3705 to form wings 3701.
FIG. 39 is a top elevation view illustrating the fifth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 3700 of FIG. 37, according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Wings 3701 include arcuate webs 3708 extending from case 3705 of child amusement device 3704.
FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 4000, according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Child seat attachment 4000 is similar to child seat attachment 100, but provides a releasable coupling 4001 that is extendable and articulatible. In the particular embodiment shown, releasable coupling 4001 includes a base 4002 coupled to panel 102, a rotatable joint 4004 coupled to base 4002, at least one arm 4006 coupled to rotatable joint 4004 and extending to couple to rotatable joint 4008, and at least one arm 4010 extending from rotatable joint 4008 to releasable coupling panel 4012. In various embodiments, various extendible and/or articulatible couplings, as are known in the art, may be used.
FIG. 41 is a rear elevation view illustrating a seventh exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 4100, according to the seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Wings 4101 have webs 4106 extending from panel 4102 with irregular edges 4112. Irregular edges 4112 may be symmetrical, as shown, or not.
FIG. 42 is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary bracket portion of the seventh exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 4100 of FIG. 41, according to the seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Webs 4106 of wings 4101 are arcuate in extension, as shown. While a regular arcuate shape is illustrated, in a particular embodiment, irregular and/or asymmetrical arcs may be employed.
FIG. 43 is a rear elevation view illustrating an eighth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 4300, according to the eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Webs 4306 of wings 4301 extend angularly from panel 4302.
FIG. 44 is a top plan view illustrating the exemplary bracket portion of the eighth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 4300 of FIG. 43, according to the eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 45 is a top plan view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the ninth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 4500, according to the ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Embodiment 4500 may be made from a portion of PVC pipe or the like by cutting away a longitudinal portion to leave an opening 4520 wide enough to initially engage a child seat handle side bar 202 or 3402. The portion of child seat attachment 4500 opposite the opening 4520 serves as an arcuate panel 4502 for supporting a child amusement device, such as child amusement device 104. Wings 4501, for engaging the child seat handle side bar 202 or 3402 extend integrally from arcuate panel 4502. Child amusement device 4504 may fit conformally to the arcuate panel 4502, as shown, or may be supported by an adapter between the arcuate panel 4502 and a flat child amusement device 104.
FIG. 46 is a rear elevation view illustrating an exemplary bracket portion of the ninth exemplary embodiment of the child seat attachment 4500 of FIG. 45, according to the ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Opening 4520 preferably widens as it extends.
FIG. 47 is a front elevation view illustrating an exemplary child seat attachment 4700, according to a tenth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Child amusement device 4704 includes speaker 4714 with an internal amplifier (not shown), a bag 4760 with a reclosable closure 4764, 4766, and audio lead 4750 extending from the amplifier and into the bag 4760. The bracket portion is present but not shown, but the releasable couplings 4710 and 4712 can be seen. Bag 4760 is sized, shaped, and arranged to hold a music player, such as an iPod™, which is connected to the amplifier and speaker 4714 via audio lead 4750 and audio plug 4752. Audio lead 4750 extends into bag 4760 without going through opening 4762, which is for inserting the audio player. A top of the bag 4760 encompasses the bottom of the speaker enclosure 4716, through which audio lead 4750 extends. Thus, the user's audio player of choice, usually powered only for ear phones, can be used to play music to amuse an infant. The child amusement device 4700 may be sold with or without a preferred audio player. The bag 4760 is preferably transparent and made of materials known in the art of baby teething toys. Once the audio player is in the bag 4760 and reclosable closure 4764, 4766 is sealed, the audio player is substantially protected from saliva, vomit, baby formula, and the like. Reclosable enclosure 4764, 4766 is preferably of the continuous flexible snap lock variety, as is known in the art of sandwich bags. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will appreciate that, in an alternate embodiment, a video screen may be substituted for the speaker 4714, a video cable for the audio lead 4750, and a video player for the audio player.
FIG. 48 is a front perspective view illustrating an exemplary child seat attachment 4800, according to an eleventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Articulated coupling 4802 may be a high-friction chain of ball-and-socket joints supporting a coupling 4804 for a child amusement device 104, or the like. Articulated coupling may have high-friction exterior surfaces as well, to enwrap a child amusement device 104. Such articulated, high-friction ball-and-socket chains are marketed under the name “Gorillapod®” by Joby, Inc. of San Francisco, Calif. The articulated coupling 4802 may have a snap-together coupling 4806, 4808, in which base member 4808 is affixed to panel 102 and extension member 4806 may be releasably snapped on to base member 4808.
While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. For example, adding flanges extending outwardly from the wings to assist in removal of the child seat attachment, where each flange is sized, shaped, and arranged to engage one or more human fingers, is within the scope of the invention. It should also be appreciated that these exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing a preferred embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
