INFANT BOUNCER AND ACTIVITY STAND

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an infant bouncer and activity stand for entertaining an infant. The bouncer and activity stand includes at least one removable infant seat configured to hold an infant therein, with the removable infant seat of at least one of a bounceable infant seat and rotatable infant seat type. The bouncer and activity stand also has an upright support configured to receive the removable infant seat and support the removable infant seat thereon. A jumping platform is detachably securable to the upright support beneath the removable infant seat. The bouncer and activity stand also optionally has one or more toys and activities attached thereto that are configured to entertain the infant.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an infant bouncer and activity stand configured to entertain and/or soothe an infant held therein by providing an entertaining bouncing motion and also providing access to one or more toys or activities to entertain the infant. More particularly, in one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a multifunctional infant bouncer and activity station that includes a jumping platform for entertaining the infant, and also includes at a removable infant seat that is capable of imparting at least one of a bouncing and rotation motion to an infant placed therein.

2. Related Art

Baby bouncers are well known by parents and other persons involved in child care as being effective devices for the entertainment of infants. Various different types of baby bouncers exist, with the bouncers in general including a seat for receiving an infant and a type of bouncing mechanism, such as a spring. The bouncing mechanism may be configured to cause the seat to vibrate or bounce in response to, for example, movement of the infant, or in response to a light push by a parent or other child caretaker, thereby generating a reciprocating motion that is enjoyable and even soothing to the infant. An example of a baby bouncer known in the art is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,656,728 to Clifton A. Griggs, issued Apr. 18, 1972, which patent is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, and includes a seat disposed above a base frame and diagonal brace members therebetween, with the diagonal brace members being connected to the base frame by tension springs that allow an infant placed in the bouncer to bounce or jump in the seat. Another type of infant entertainment device that is similar to a baby bouncer is the baby rocker, an example of which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,945 to Mark A. Sedlack, issued on Mar. 30, 1999, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The baby rocker described therein includes an infant seat and intersecting frame, with pieces of the frame being interconnected by a spring such that the seat may be caused to reciprocate or “rock.”

Baby activity stands are also well known in the art, and typically include a child support structure along with one or more toys and activities selected to entertain the infant. An example of such an infant activity center is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,425 to Bapst et al, issued Jul. 15, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The activity stand described therein is capable of activating one or more infant entertainment components upon detection of movement of the infant placed therein. Yet another example of an infant activity stand is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,201 to Bellows et al, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The activity stand described therein has a base, a child support structure that allows the infant to be placed upright therein, and supporting legs that include a flexible section to maximize the range of motion available to the child.

However, a deficiency with such prior bouncers, rockers and activity stands is that they typically do not accommodate infants at different developmental stages. For example, while baby bouncers that hold an infant in a seated or supine position may be adequately entertaining for very young infants, they may fail to provide adequate entertainment and stimulation for older infants, especially those older infants developing the coordination of their leg muscles as a prelude to learning to walk and stand. For such older infants, being placed in a seated position for a significant stretch of time may be overly restricting and confining at a time in their life when the ability to stand and play is enticing. On the other hand, devices that require placement of the infant in an upright or standing position may not be suitable for very young infants, such as those not able to support themselves in such a position or having insufficient leg coordination to benefit from standing activities. Yet another deficiency of such prior art bouncers and activity stands is that they may not have adequate diversity in terms of the entertainment they impart to provide for adequate entertainment of the infants.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for baby bouncers and activity stands that accommodate infants at different developmental stages. There is also a need for multifunctional baby bouncers and activity stands that provide a wide variety of activities and motions for entertaining of an infant

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In accordance with a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to an infant bouncer and activity stand for entertaining an infant. The bouncer and activity stand includes at least one removable infant seat configured to hold an infant therein, with the removable infant seat being one of a bounceable infant seat and rotatable infant seat type. The bouncer and activity stand also has an upright support stand configured to receive the removable infant seat and support the removable infant seat thereon. A jumping platform is detachably securable to the support stand beneath the removable infant seat. The bouncer and activity stand also optionally has one or more toys and activities attached thereto that are configured to entertain the infant.

In accordance with a second embodiment, the present invention is directed to an infant bouncer which comprises a flexible frame having an infant seat mounted thereto. Attached to the frame is a resilient jumping platform to which the infant's legs may optionally be extended through complimentary openings within the infant seat. These openings are covered when the infant is placed in a supine or semi-supine position within the infant seat. An activity bar is pivotally connected to the infant seat, and selectively rotatable between differing positions relative thereto as needed to be accessible to the infant in either a supine or semi-supine position, or in a standing position upon the jumping platform.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a combination infant bouncer and activity stand constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the bouncer component of the bouncer and activity stand shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an alternative version of the bouncer component shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the bouncer and activity stand shown in FIG. 1 in an alternative mode of operation through the inclusion of a rotating seat component as an alternative to the bouncer component;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bouncer and activity stand shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the bouncer and activity stand shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front-elevational view of an infant bouncer and activity stand constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side-elevational view of the bouncer and activity stand shown in FIG. 7, further illustrating a first mode of operation thereof; and

FIG. 9 is a side-elevational view of the bouncer and activity stand shown in FIG. 7, illustrating a second mode of operation thereof.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

An improved apparatus for the entertainment and care of infants is provided that combines beneficial aspects of a baby bouncer with those of a baby activity stand, to provide a multifunctional device suitable for the use and play of infants at a variety of different developmental stages. In particular, the bouncer and activity stand 100 of the present invention can combine functionalities suitable for upright and/or standing activities, such as those stimulating and appropriate for older and more developed infants, with functionalities that are suitable for supine and/or semi-supine activities and thus appealing for younger infants. The bouncer and activity stand 100 furthermore allows for transitioning between different activities, such as activities suitable for different developmental levels and/or between more active upright and more restful supine or semi-supine activities. The bouncer and activity stand 100 thus provides for improved versatility in the entertainment, stimulation and care of infants by offering a wide range of activities and functionality suitable for multiple different developmental levels. It should be understood that the term “infant” as referred to herein is intended to be inclusive of all children and babies that may be suitable for play with the bouncer and activity stand, and thus includes very young infants as well as older babies and children.

One version of an infant bouncer and activity stand 100 is shown in FIGS. 1-6. In this version, the bouncer and activity stand 100 comprises an upright base or support stand 102 configured to receive at least one removable infant seat 104. The removable infant seat 104 can comprise any of a variety of different seat types that impart various functionalities to the bouncer and activity stand 100. For example, the removable infant seats 104 can comprise at least one of a bounceable infant seat 104a that allows a bouncing motion, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1, and a rotatable infant seat 104b that allows for rotation of an infant being held therein, as shown for example in FIG. 4. In addition, the bouncer and activity stand 100 can include a jumping platform 106 that is detachably securable to the support stand 102 at a position beneath the removable infant seat 104 such that, in certain embodiments, the infant can jump or bounce on the platform 106 while being supported by the bouncer and activity stand 100. The bouncer and activity stand 100 may optionally further comprise one or more additional toys and activities 108 that are configured to entertain the infant while being supported by the bouncer and activity stand 100.

A version of the support stand 102 used to support the removable infant seat 104 thereon is depicted in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6. In this version, the support stand 102 comprises a stand top 154 that is configured to receive the removable infant seat 104, and one or more support legs 152 releasably connected to and configured to support the stand top 154. In the version as shown, the support stand 102 has a tripod-like configuration, with three support legs 152 disposed substantially equidistant from each other. When removed from the support legs 152, the stand top 154 may itself provide a shorter support structure for one or more of the removable infant seats 104. The support stand 102 may further comprise one or more toys and activities 108 attached thereto to amuse and entertain the infant, as shown for example in FIG. 4. The support stand 102 is configured to receive the removable infant seat 104 via a mechanism which removably interlocks the seat 104 therewith, such as to allow interchangeability between different types of infant seats. In one version, the stand top 154 defines an annular groove or channel 158 that is sized, shaped and configured to receive a complementary annular portion of the removable infant seat 104, as shown for example in FIG. 5. The support stand 102 is preferably sufficiently stable such that the infant can be safely and securely supported thereby.

As indicated above, the bouncer and activity stand 100 also preferably comprises the jumping platform 106 that is detachably securable to the support stand 102 beneath the removable infant seat 104, as shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 4. In the version as shown, the jumping platform 106 comprises a circular disc that is secured at its periphery to the support stand 102 via one or more elastic lines 150, such as for example bungee cord. The jumping platform 106 may be secured, for example, to the legs 152 of the support stand 102 beneath the removable infant seat 104. The jumping platform 106 may be preferably suspended from the support stand 102 in relation to the removable infant seat 104 such that the infant's legs can reach and push against the platform 106 to simulate a jumping or bouncing motion when a removable infant seat 104 is used that supports the infant in an upright seated or standing position allows the infant's feet to extend therefrom to the jumping platform.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a bouncer and activity stand 100 having a removable infant seat 104 that is a bouncing infant seat 104a. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the infant seat 104a can be generally understood to comprise a bouncer seat body 110 that is configured to hold the infant therein, as well as a bouncer seat base 112 that is configured to receive the bouncer seat body 110, and is mountable upon the support stand 102. In this regard, the bouncer seat base 112 preferably includes an annular mounting portion 113 which is sized and configured to be removably insertable into the channel 158 of the support stand 102 is a nesting fashion. The bouncer seat base 112 may also be configured such that it provides support to the bouncer seat body 110 when removed from the support stand 102, as shown for example in FIG. 2. For example, the bouncer seat base 112 may be capable of supporting the seat body 110 while resting on the floor or other surface, thereby allowing for use of the bounceable infant seat 104a away from the support stand 102. The bounceable infant seat 104a further comprises a bouncing mechanism 114 that imparts at least one of a bouncing and vibrating motion to an infant held therein, such as a bouncing mechanism 114 comprising at least one spring 116.

In the version shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bouncing mechanism 114 comprises at least two adjustable springs 116 that are disposed on opposing sides 118a, 118b of the bounceable infant seat 104a, such as in between the bouncer seat body 110 and bouncer seat base 112. The adjustable springs 116 can comprise, for example, at least one of polyurethane springs and coil springs. The adjustable springs 116 of this embodiment may thus be configured to at least partially support the bouncer seat body 110 above the bouncer seat base 112, and thereby allow a bouncing and/or vibrating motion of the bouncer seat body 110 with respect to the bouncer seat base 112. For example, gentle pushing or pulling on the bouncer seat body 110, as well as, or alternatively, movement of the infant therein, may be sufficient to generate an entertaining, stimulating, and even soothing, bouncing and/or vibrating motion, according to the intensity thereof. In one version, the bouncing and/or vibrating motion may even be activated electronically, such as with an electronic mechanism 156 capable of controlling the bouncing and/or vibrating motion. The bouncing mechanism 114 can further comprise a spring adjustment mechanism 120 configured to adjust at least one of the tension and travel of one or more of the springs 116, and thereby control the extent and intensity of the bouncing and/or vibrating motion generated thereby. In the version depicted in FIGS. 1-2, two spring adjustment mechanisms 120 are operatively coupled to respective ones of the opposed pair of springs 116. Each spring adjustment mechanism 120 may comprise an adjustable knob 122 that is capable of adjusting a level of bounce of the infant bouncer seat 104a through the manipulation of the corresponding one of the springs 116.

The version of the infant bouncer seat 104a depicted in FIGS. 1-2 may be particularly suited for accommodating younger infants that may be more comfortable when resting in a supine or semi-supine position, as shown. To that end, the bouncer seat body 110 may be configured to accommodate such a position, such as by being shaped, sized and configured to accommodate an infant laying supine or semi-supine within the bouncer seat body 110. The infant bouncer seat 104a may also be configured such that an angle of inclination of the bouncer seat body 110 is adjustable with respect to the bouncer seat base 112, such as by pivotally or rotatably attaching the bouncer seat body 110 thereto. In yet another version, the bouncer seat body 110 can define two leg holes formed therein that are sized, shaped and configured to pass the infant's legs therethrough, such as for example to accommodate an older infant in an upright seated or even standing position.

As indicated above, one or more toys and activities 108 may be included as part of the bouncer and activity stand 100 to increase the enjoyment of the infant being held and/or supported therein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bouncer and activity stand 100 can comprise an activity bar 124 which is cooperatively engaged to the infant bouncer seat 104a and has one or more toys and activities 108 attached thereto. The toys and activities 108 can include any of those conventional in the art, such as for example, squeezable toys or other toys having a stimulating feel, color or sound, as well as games and electronic entertainment devices. In the version shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the activity bar 124 extends laterally across the bouncer seat body 110 and has first and second ends 126a, 126b attached to respective ones of the opposing sides 118a, 118b thereof. In one version, the activity bar 124 is configured to accommodate infants in both the supine position as well as in a more upright seated and/or standing position, such as by being rotatable from a first position above the infant bouncer seat 104a to a second position towards the anterior (e.g., in front of) the infant bouncer seat 104a. In this manner, the activity bar 124 can provide overhead entertainment for an infant lying down in the infant bouncer seat 104a, and can also provide entertainment for an infant sitting upright in the infant bouncer seat 104a by providing toys and activities 108 in front of and within the infant's reach.

An alternative version of an infant bouncer seat 104a′ is shown in FIG. 4, which provides an exploded view of the components thereof. In this version, the bouncer seat body 110′ comprises a bouncer seat shell 110a′ and a bouncer seat liner 110b′ that lines the shell 110a′. The above-described activity bar 124 is removably attached to the opposing sides 118a′, 118b′ of the infant bouncer seat 104a′ through the use of respective ones of a pair of attachment knobs 122′. The bouncer seat base 112′ of this version comprises a top mount section 112a′ and a bottom mount section 112b′, with the top mount section 112a′ comprising an annular ring 128a′, and upright support arms 130a′, 130b′ configured to receive the bouncer seat body 110′. In the version as shown, the upright arms 130a′, 130b′ are configured to pivotally mount the bouncer seat body 110′ thereon, such as by having distal openings formed therein receive a circular rod passing therethrough and connecting to the bouncer seat body 110′. The bottom mount section 112b′ similarly comprises an annular ring 128b′ having a shape and size that is complementary to the top mount section 112a′. The ring 128b′ is further sized and configured to be removably insertable into the channel 158 of the support stand 102 is a nesting fashion. The infant bouncer seat 104a′ of this version further comprise a bouncing mechanism 114′ comprising a plurality of springs 116′ disposed between the top and bottom mount sections 112a′, 112b′, thereby at least partially supporting the top mount section 112a′ above the bottom mount section 112b′ to allow a bouncing and/or vibrating motion therebetween. The plurality of springs 116′ can be disposed circumferentially about the top and bottom mount sections 112a′, 112b′ as shown, and can comprise, for example at least two, and even at least four springs 116′. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 and described above, the springs 116′ may be adjustable springs 116′ having a spring adjustment mechanism (not shown) to adjust a level of bounce provided by the bounceable infant seat 104a′. FIG. 3 further depicts the liner 110b′ as including a restraining device 132′, such as a retention flap and belt, which are configured to safely restrain the infant within the bounceable infant seat 104a′. It should be understood that the restraining device 132′ can also be used with other infant seat embodiments described herein (e.g., the bouncer seat 104a), and may further comprise other retention devices other than those specifically shown.

Another version of removable infant seat 104 suitable for use with the infant bouncer and activity stand 100 comprises a rotatable infant seat 104b, as shown for example in FIGS. 4-6. In the version shown in FIGS. 4-6, the rotatable infant seat 104b comprises a rotatable seat base 134. The seat base 134 comprises an annular bottom section 136 which defines an annular channel or cavity 138. Rotatably mounted to the bottom section 136 is a plurality of wheels 140. As seen in FIG. 5, the wheels 140 are mounted to the bottom section 136 so as to reside predominantly within the cavity 138 defined thereby. However, a small portion of each wheel 140 protrudes slightly above the top rim 142 defined by the bottom section 136.

In addition to the bottom section 136, the seat base 134 includes an annular top section 144 which is mounted to the bottom section 136 and rotatable relative thereto. In this regard, as also seen in FIG. 5, the bottom surface of a radially extending flange portion of the top section 144 rides along each of the wheels 140 in a manner allowing for the rotational movement of the top section 144 relative to the bottom section 136.

In addition to the seat base 134, the infant seat 104b includes a stand-up liner 146 which is mounted to the seat base 134. As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the liner 146 includes a seat portion having a pair of openings 148 which are configured to allow for the passage of an infant legs therethrough. Additionally, the liner 146 itself includes a radially extending flange portion which is adapted to overlie and thus cover the top surface of the radially extending flange portion of the top section 144 of the seat base 134 in the manner best shown in FIG. 5. The liner 146 may take any of a variety of suitable forms, such as those suitable for supporting an infant in a supine or semi-supine position, as well as a form suitable for supporting an infant in an upright standing position, as shown for example in FIG. 4. In addition to the seat base 134 and liner 146, it is contemplated that the infant seat 104b may include an optional padded ring 148 which is attached to the top surface of the radially extending flange portion of the liner 146.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the infant seat 104b is cooperatively engaged to the support stand 102 via the receipt of the seat base 134 into the complimentary channel 158 of the support stand 102 in a nesting fashion. When the seat 104b is cooperatively engaged to the support stand 102 in the aforementioned manner, an infant held within the seat 104b is able to rotate relative to the support stand 102. The infant can thus stand in the bouncer and activity stand 100 as outfitted with the rotatable seat 104b, and can use the motion of his or her legs to rotate the liner 146 in a circular direction. Alternatively, a child care taker, parent or the like can generally rotate the infant within the liner 146. Still further, an electronic means can be used to electronically activate and control the rotation of the rotatable liner 146. It should be understood that other mechanisms for rotation can be provided other than those specifically shown and described above. The padded ring 148 effectively protects the infant from accidental falls from the bouncer and activity stand 100, in addition to keeping the infant's hands and fingers safe from the rotatable parts of the bouncer and activity stand 100 as outfitted with the rotatable infant seat 104b.

As indicated above, the bouncer and activity stand 100 preferably comprises the jumping platform 106 that is detachably secured to the support stand 102 beneath the removable infant seat 104. In the version of the bouncer and activity stand 100 including the rotatable infant seat 104b, the infant's legs may pass through the openings 148 formed in the liner 146 and rest on the platform 106, thereby allowing the infant to rotate him or herself as well as experience a jumping sensation. In versions of the bouncer and activity stand 100 wherein the infant seat 104 is configured for supine or semi-supine placement of the infant therein, and thus where the infant's feet are not extended below the seat body, the jumping platform 106 may advantageously serve as a convenient location for the storage of baby care items, toys and the like, as shown for example in FIG. 1. The jumping platform 106 may additionally be equipped with sound-making devices that emit sounds upon application of pressure to the platform 106, such as sound making-devices that emit different tones or music when selected areas of the platform 106 are stepped on or pressed. In this manner, the jumping platform 106 may be used for entertainment even when removed from the bouncer and activity stand 100, such as for example by setting the platform 106 on the floor or other surface and allowing the infant to step or crawl thereon. Additionally, as indicated above, the bouncer and activity stand 100 described above may further comprise electronic controls 156 thereon, such as for example on one or more of the seat base 112 and/or on the detachable stand top 154, as shown for example in FIG. 1. The electronic controls 156 may be capable of, for example, controlling the activation, intensity and duration of one or more of a rotation, vibration and bouncing motion of at least a portion of the bouncer and activity stand 100, and may also be capable of controlling one or more of lights, music and sounds emanating from the bouncer and activity stand 100, as well as any electronic games and/or activities that may be included as a part of the bouncer and activity stand 100. Accordingly, the bouncer and activity stand 100 of the instant invention provides for improved entertainment and stimulation of an infant via a number of different functions, and also allows for entertainment of the infant in a number of different reclining and/or upright positions, thereby accommodating infants of different ages and developmental stages. The bouncer and activity stand 100 thus provides an improved option for the entertainment of infants that can continue to be used as the infant grows and progresses developmentally.

Yet another version of an infant bouncer and activity stand 200 is depicted in FIGS. 7-9. Similarly to the previous versions, the bouncer and activity stand 200 of this version is capable of accommodating an infant both in a reclining as well as in an upright position, and thus is also suitable for infants at a variety of developmental stages. In general, the bouncer and activity stand 200 comprises an infant seat 202 configured to support an infant therein, as well as a bounceable support stand 204, rotatable activity bar 206, and a jumping platform 208. The bouncer and activity stand 200 according to this version thus provides a variety of stimulating activities for the infant being supported therein.

Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that the infant seat 202 is configured to support the infant in a supine, semi-supine or seated position. However, the infant seat 202 can also support the infant in an upright standing position, as shown in FIG. 9. Transitioning between the two support positions is achieved by providing two openings 210 in the infant seat 202 that are configured to pass the infant's legs therethrough. The infant seat 202 can further comprise covers for the openings 210 that are transitionable between a closed position in which the openings are covered, such as when the infant is seated or supine in the infant seat 202, as shown for example in FIG. 8, to an open position where the openings 210 are uncovered to allow the infant's legs to pass therethrough, such as to accommodate the infant in a standing position, as shown for example in FIG. 9. The infant seat 202 may also be pivotally attached to the support stand 204 such that the infant seat 202 can be rotated between upright and reclined positions.

The bounceable support stand 204 is configured to support the infant seat 202 thereon while also allowing for a bouncing motion of the seat 202 and infant being held therein. In the version as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the bounceable support stand 204 comprises a base portion 212, and an elastic, flexing portion 214 between the base portion 212 and infant seat 202 that allows for bouncing of the infant seat 202. For example, the flexing portion 214 of the support stand 204 can have qualities of elasticity and resiliency capable of imparting a bouncing motion to the seat 204 and infant held therein, such as upon movement of the infant seat 204. The support stand 162 thus provides entertainment for the infant in the form of a bouncing motion that can be enjoyed both in a reclining position as well as in an upright standing position.

The rotatable activity bar 206 and jumping platform 208 function similarly to those described above in the first bouncer and activity stand embodiment. In particular, the rotatable activity bar 206 is pivotally connected to and extends from opposing sides 216a, 216b of the infant seat 202, with the activity bar 206 being rotatable from a first position above the infant seat 202, as shown for example in FIG. 8, to a second position towards the front of the infant

Seat 202, as shown for example in fig. 9, to allow the infant to play therewith both in reclining: an upright positions. The activity bar 206 comprises one or more toys and activities 218 that are suited for entertaining and stimulating the infant while being supported by the bouncer and activity stand 200. The jumping platform 208 is removably attachable to the bouncer support stand 204 at a location such that the infant's legs may be brought in contact with the jumping platform 208 when passed through the openings 210 in the infant seat 202. The jumping platform 208 is suspended above the floor or other surface upon which the support stand 204 rests by one or more elastic lines 220, such as bungee cords. More particularly, the elastic lines 220 are preferably attached to respective ones of a plurality of supports 222 which are attached to the base portion 212 of the support stand 204 and effectively support the same upon an underlying surface. An infant pressing against the jumping platform 208 thus experiences the stimulating sensation of jumping or bouncing, thereby providing entertainment to the infant. The jumping platform 208 may also comprise pressure-sensitive sound emission devices to emit sounds in response to jumping or pressing on select areas of the jumping platform, as described for the embodiments above.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention. Along these lines, it should be understood that the removable infant seats 104 may take any of a variety of forms that are known or later developed in the art, and further contemplates that existing or newly formed infant seats should fall within the scope of the present invention. Also, it should be understood that the support stand 102 and bouncer support stand 204 can comprise other configurations that are other than those specifically described.

Claims

1. An infant bouncer and activity stand comprising:

at least one removable infant seat configured to hold an infant therein, the removable infant seat comprising at least one of a bounceable infant seat and rotatable infant seat;

a support stand configured to receive and support the removable infant seat;

a jumping platform detachably securable to the support stand beneath the removable infant seat.

2. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 1 further comprising one or more toys and activities configured to entertain the infant while held in the removable infant seat.

3. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 1, wherein the bounceable infant seat comprises:

a seat body configured to hold the infant therein;

a seat base configured to receive the seat body, the seat base being further configured to be mounted upon the support stand; and

a bouncing mechanism interposed between the seat body and the seat base and configured to allow the seat body to bounce relative to the bouncer seat base.

4. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 3 wherein the bouncing mechanism comprising at least one spring.

5. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 3 wherein the bouncing mechanism comprises:

at least two adjustable springs disposed on opposing sides of the infant seat, the adjustable springs being configured to support the seat body above the seat base; and

a spring tension adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the tension in the adjustable springs, thereby adjusting the intensity of the bouncing motion imparted to the infant.

6. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 5 wherein the adjustable springs comprise at least one of polyurethane and coil springs.

7. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 3 wherein the seat body is configured to accommodate the infant in a supine or semi-supine position, and wherein an angle of inclination of the seat body is adjustable with respect to the seat base.

8. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 3 wherein the seat body defines two leg holes formed therein that are sized, shaped and configured to pass the infants legs therethrough.

9. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 3 wherein the bounceable seat further comprises a rotatable activity bar having one or more toys, activities and entertainment devices attached thereto, the rotatable activity bar extending across the seat body and having first and second ends attached to opposing sides thereof.

10. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 3 wherein the seat body further comprises a restraining device to restrain the infant therein.

11. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 3 wherein the rotatable seat comprises:

a seat body configured to hold the infant therein;

a seat base configured to receive the seat body, the seat base being configured to be mounted on the support stand; and

a rotating mechanism configured to allow the seat body to rotate with the respect to the support stand.

12. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 11 wherein the seat body comprises openings therein configured to pass the infant's legs therethrough.

13. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 12 wherein the jumping platform is suspended from the support stand relative to the seat body such that the infant's legs passing through the openings in the seat body may rest on the jumping platform.

14. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 1 wherein the bouncer stand comprises:

a stand top configured to receive the removable infant seat; and

at least three support legs releasably attached to and configured to support the stand top.

15. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 14 wherein the support stand comprises one or more toys configured to attach to the stand top.

16. The infant bouncer and activity stand of claim 1 further comprising electronic controls to selectively control at least one of: (i) one or more of vibration, rotation, and bouncing motion of at least a portion of the bouncer and activity stand, and (ii) one or more of lights, music and sounds emanating from the bouncer and activity stand.

17. An infant bouncer, comprising:

an infant seat configured to support an infant therein, the infant seat comprising two openings therein configured to pass the infant's legs therethrough, and further comprising coverings for said openings that are transitionable between a closed position in which the openings are covered to an open position where the openings are uncovered to allow the infant's legs to pass therethrough;

a bounceable support stand configured to support the infant seat, the bounceable support stand comprising a base portion and a flexible portion between the base structure and infant seat that allows for bouncing of the infant seat;

a rotatable activity bar extending from opposing sides of the infant seat, the activity bar being rotatable from a first position above the infant seat to a second position towards the anterior of the infant seat; and

a jumping platform removably attachable to the support stand at a location such that the infant's legs may be brought in contact the jumping platform when passed through the openings in the infant seat.

18. The bouncer of claim 17 wherein the infant seat is configured to accommodate the infant in one or more of a supine, semi-supine, or seating position when the leg openings are covered, and is configured to accommodate the infant in a standing position when the leg openings are uncovered to pass the infant's legs therethrough.

19. The bouncer of claim 17 wherein the infant seat is pivotally attached to the support stand such that the infant seat can be rotated between upright and reclined positions.

20. The bouncer of claim 17 wherein the activity bar comprises one or more toys, games, and interactive devices attached thereto.