ROTATABLE DEVICE FOR A CHILD AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A rotatable device configured to support an infant in a prone position and to rotate upon a force applied by the infant. The device includes a pedestal and a support assembly. The pedestal includes a cradle and a header coupled to the support assembly. The support assembly includes a base, a plate, a bearing ring, a plurality of ball bearings, and a coupler ring. The plate and the coupler ring are coupled together sandwiching the bearing ring, the ball bearings, and the base between them. The pedestal is also coupled to the coupler ring. The pedestal, coupler ring, and plate rotate with respect to the base. The rotatable device is position on an exploration mat enabling a child placed in the pedestal to rotate herself to explore different areas of the exploration mat.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/013,842 filed on Dec. 14, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In the early 1990's, parents were encouraged to place their babies on their backs during sleeping to help prevent SIDS. As a result, babies have been spending more and more time on their backs as they are not mobile until they are able to crawl, which generally requires the development of certain muscles. Positioning the child on his tummy can be beneficial by promoting muscle development in the neck and shoulders, helping prevent tight neck muscles and the development of flat areas on the back of the baby's head, and helping build the muscles the baby needs to roll, sit, and crawl.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a device that both encourages tummy time and is stimulating to the baby is desirable. The present invention relates to an apparatus that enables the child to have tummy time and to explore and find stimulation without having to crawl. The invention can include an exploration mat having a plurality of exploration areas. A rotatable device is provided which supports a child in a prone position, e.g., on her stomach, and enables the child to rotate and position herself over different exploration areas. The prone position is a position of the body lying face down, as opposed to the supine position which is face up.

In one embodiment, the invention provides an infant entertainment device comprising a support assembly, and a pedestal including a header and a cradle supported by the header, the header rotatably coupled to the support assembly and the cradle configured to support an infant lying in a prone position.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an infant entertainment device comprising a support assembly and a pedestal. The support assembly includes a base having a recess defining a channel, a first ring configured to be received within the channel, and a second ring coupled to the first ring and configured to rotate with respect to the first ring. The pedestal includes a header, and a cradle supported by the header. The header is rotatably coupled to the second ring and the cradle is configured to support an infant lying in a prone position. The cradle includes a body having a front end and a rear end, and a portion extending from the front end, the body of the cradle oriented at an angle with respect to the base.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a rotatable device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the rotatable device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the rotatable device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the rotatable device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the rotatable device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the rotatable device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an exploration mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary front and back views of appliqués applied to the exploration mat of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.

Although directional references, such as upper, lower, downward, upward, rearward, bottom, front, rear, etc., may be made herein in describing the drawings, these references are made relative to the drawings (as normally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended to be taken literally or limit the present invention in any form. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance.

FIG. 1 illustrates a rotatable device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The rotatable device 100 can be used by infants or young children for mobility and entertainment. The rotatable device 100 includes a pedestal 105 and a support assembly 110. The pedestal 105 is supported by and rotatable with respect to the support assembly 110.

The pedestal 105 includes a header 115 coupled to the support assembly 110. The header 115 is generally triangular-shaped as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The pedestal 105 also includes a cradle 120 supported by the header 115 and adapted to support a child. The cradle 120 is formed to support the child on her stomach, but the child can be supported on her side or back, as well. The cradle 120 includes a surrounding edge 125 that is contoured and gently rounded to a downward facing lip 130. The rounded edge 125 presents a smooth edge to a child lying on the cradle 120.

With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the cradle 120 includes a body 135 having a front end 140 and a back end 145. The body 135 includes a bottom surface 150 that transitions to a first side wall 155 and a second side wall 160. The cradle 120 also includes an extension 165 that extends from the front end 140 of the body 135. The cradle 120 includes a first shoulder 170 and a second shoulder 175 where the extension 165 connects to the body 135. In some constructions, the extension 165 can be integrally molded to the body 135. A child can use the shoulders 170, 175 to support her arms and to assist in maintaining her position in the cradle 120 and in rotating the pedestal 105.

The cradle 120 also includes a plurality of apertures 180 arranged in a pattern on the body 135 and the extension 165 that provide ventilation to a child positioned in the cradle 120. In some constructions, the plurality of apertures 180 can be replaced or complemented with a plurality of bumps to provide friction between the cradle 120 and the child, to help maintain the child in position. In other constructions, the cradle 120 can be covered or partially covered with fabric, either permanently attached to the cradle 120 or removable from the cradle 120 (e.g., for cleaning). The pattern of apertures and/or bumps and/or fabric on the cradle 120 can vary from the pattern illustrated in the figures and may be partially or wholly located on the bottom surface 150, on the side walls 155, 160, and/or on the extension 165.

The cradle 120 is positioned at an angle with respect to a support surface. More specifically, the cradle 120 is angled upward by the header 115 from the back end 145 to the front end 140, such that the front end 140 and extension 165 are at a higher elevation than the back end 145 when the rotatable device 100 is positioned on a support surface.

The cradle 120 includes an underside 185 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The underside 185 includes a plurality of ribs 190 extending between the header 115 and the downward lip 130. The ribs 190 extend at generally right angles from the header 115 to the downward lip 130. The header 115 and the cradle 120 can be integrally formed or can be constructed of separate components coupled together.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the support assembly 110 includes a base 195 adapted to support the pedestal 105 on a support surface, such as a table or floor or any suitable support surface or mechanism. The base 195 is generally circular and includes a generally horizontal surface 200 having a transition gently sloping to a downward lip 205. The horizontal surface 200 includes a recess 210 generally concentric with an outer edge 215 of the downward lip 205. The recess 210 includes an aperture 220 therethrough. The recess 210 includes an outer wall 225 and an inner wall 230 defining a channel 235.

The base 195 includes a plurality of support ribs 240 on an underside surface of the base 195 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The support ribs 240 are spaced and positioned around the base 195 and extend between the inner wall 230 and the downward lip 205.

The support assembly 110 also includes a plate 245 having a diameter greater than the diameter of the aperture 220 of the base 195. The plate 245 includes a raised wall 250 adapted to be received within the aperture 220 (i.e., the plate includes a diameter substantially equal to but less than the diameter of the aperture 220) of the base 195. The plate 245 also includes a plurality of bosses 255 extending from the plate 245.

The support assembly 110 also includes a bearing ring 260 configured to fit within the channel 235 of the base 195. The bearing ring 260 includes an outside diameter greater than the diameter of the aperture 220 but less than the diameter of the outer wall 225 such that the bearing ring 260 can rest and fit snugly within the channel 235 but cannot pass through the aperture 220. The bearing ring 260 includes a plurality of bearing cups 265 spaced around an upper surface 270 of the bearing ring 260. Each of the bearing cups 265 are sized to receive a ball bearing 275. In some constructions, the bearing cups 265 are sized such that the ball bearings 275 ride on an upper edge 280 of the bearing cups 265. In other constructions, the bearing cups 265 are sized such that the ball bearings 275 rest on the bearing ring 260 directly and the bearing cups 265 function to maintain the ball bearings 275 in position. In some constructions, an inside diameter of the bearing ring 260 is greater than the diameter of the raised portion 250 of the plate 245. In alternative constructions, the bearing cups 265 and the ball bearings 275 can be replaced with a wheel bearing(s) and wheel(s) or a roller bearing(s) and roller(s). In additional alternative constructions, the bearing ring 260 can have a smooth glide surface or a channel formed therein to allow a complementary mechanism to glide on the surface and/or within the channel.

The support assembly 110 also includes a coupler ring 285 having an inside edge 290 and an outside edge 295. The coupler ring 285 includes a plurality of ribs 300 spaced equally around the coupler ring 285 and extend between the inside edge 290 and the outside edge 295. An outer diameter of the coupler ring 285 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the bearing ring 260. An inner diameter of the coupler ring 285 is less than the inner diameter of the bearing ring 260 and the aperture 220 of the base 195.

The coupler ring 285 also includes a first concentric rib 305 and a second concentric rib 310. The first concentric rib 305 is positioned adjacent to the outside edge 295 of the coupler ring 285 and the second concentric rib 310 is positioned adjacent to the inside edge 290 of the coupler ring 285. Additional concentric ribs can be included in some constructions of the coupler ring 285.

The coupler ring 285 also includes a track 315 on an underside surface thereof and adjacent the outside edge 295. The track 315 is adapted to engage the ball bearings 275 supported in the bearing cups 265 on the bearing ring 260. The coupler ring 285 also includes a plurality of receptacles 320 positioned interiorly and adjacent to the track 315. The plurality of receptacles 320 are aligned with the bosses 255 on the plate 245 and are aligned to receive a fastener extending through the bosses 255 to couple the plate 245 to the coupler ring 285. This configuration sandwiches the base 295 and the bearing ring 260 between the plate 245 and the coupler ring 285, and allows the coupler ring 285 to glide along in a circular path over the ball bearings 275. In other constructions, the coupler ring 285 can be formed to glide along a smooth surface and/or a channel of the bearing ring 260 (i.e., the ball bearings 275 and bearing cups 265 are not required).

The coupler ring 285 also includes a plurality of receptacles 325 positioned along the inside edge 290. The plurality of receptacles 325 are adapted to receive a fastener to couple the pedestal 105 to the coupler ring 285 enabling the pedestal 105 to rotate with the coupler ring 285 with respect to the base 195. Thus, a child positioned on the cradle 120 can reach the floor or support surface to rotate the pedestal 105 using her arms and/or legs.

In some embodiments, the rotatable device 100 is provided with an exploration mat 400, as shown in FIG. 7. The mat 400 can include a plurality of exploration areas 405 positioned around a center section 410. The exploration areas 405 can include graphics and/or activities attractive to children. The rotatable device 100 can be placed on the center section 410 or other areas of the mat 400 and the child can rotate the pedestal 105 to position herself over a particular exploration area 405. The rotatable device 100 also can be used without the mat 400 or can be placed adjacent to the mat 400. In addition, the mat 400 can include a plurality of appliqués 415, such as those shown in FIG. 8, to allow the graphics of the exploration areas 405 to be modified. The appliqués 415 can hide portions of the graphics and/or activities in the exploration areas 405, encouraging the infant to explore the different exploration areas 405 and pick up the appliqués 415 to see what is underneath the appliqués 415. In other constructions, the mat 400 can include soft goods, stimulation devices, or other appropriate devices or toys to enhance the entertainment and stimulation effects to the child.

In other constructions of the rotatable device 100, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the pedestal 105 can include an electronics module 420 operable to power and activate electronic devices 425 connected to the pedestal 105 and/or the mat 400. The electronics module 420 can include a power source, such as one or more batteries or can receive power via a cord connected to a traditional power outlet. The electronic devices 425 can be positioned on the mat 400 for activation by the child. The mat 400 can include one or more electrically isolated pathways 430 formed through the mat to accommodate wires or cords running therethrough to deliver power to the electronic devices 425. In other constructions and as illustrated in FIG. 9, the mat 400 can include one or more power centers 435 configured to receive the electronic devices 425 (i.e., the electronic devices plug into the power centers). The power centers 435 can be electrically connected to the electronics module 420 through the mat 400. The electronics module 420 can include a processor 440 operable to generate audio signals when an electronic device 425 is activated by the child. In addition, the processor 440 can generate and deliver a signal to the electronic device 425 to react when the electronic device 425 is activated by the child.

In other constructions and as illustrated in FIG. 10, the electronics module 420 can include an infrared communications system 445 at least partially visible through a window 450 on a wall of the pedestal 105. Each of the electronic devices 425, positioned in various areas on the mat 400, can also include an infrared communications system 445. The infrared communications systems 445 can include an infrared transmitter and/or receiver operable to transmit an infrared signal and/or receive an infrared signal. In operation, when the infrared communications systems 445 are generally aligned, the electronics module 420 and the electronic device 425 can communication via infrared signals. For example, the processor 440 can generate a signal for infrared transmission to the electronic device 425 to instruct the electronic device 425 to react in a certain way. The infrared communication between the electronics module 420 and the electronic device 425 can intrigue the child to further move the pedestal 105 around to view how the electronic devices 425 react when the child is generally facing the electronic device 425 (i.e., when the infrared communications systems are generally aligned).

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An infant entertainment device comprising:

a support assembly; and

a pedestal including a header and a cradle supported by the header, the header rotatably coupled to the support assembly and the cradle configured to support an infant lying in a prone position.

2. The infant entertainment device of claim 1 wherein the support assembly includes a base having a recess defining a channel, a first ring configured to be received within the channel, and a second ring coupled to the first ring and configured to rotate with respect to the first ring.

3. The infant entertainment device of claim 2 wherein the base includes an aperture having a first diameter, and wherein the support assembly further includes a plate having a second diameter being greater than the first diameter and being positioned beneath the channel of the base, the plate coupled to the second ring.

4. The infant entertainment device of claim 3 wherein the second ring is coupled to the pedestal.

5. The infant entertainment device of claim 3 wherein the second ring is coupled to the header.

6. The infant entertainment device of claim 2 wherein the first ring includes a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of bearings, each bearing supported by a bearing cup, and wherein the second ring includes a track on an underside thereof, the track configured to glide on the bearings.

7. The infant entertainment device of claim 1 wherein the support assembly includes a base having a recess defining a channel and a ring configured to be received within the channel, the ring configured to rotate with respect to the base.

8. The infant entertainment device of claim 7 wherein the ring is coupled to the header.

9. The infant entertainment device of claim 1 wherein the cradle includes a body having a front end and a rear end, and a portion extending from the front end, the body of the cradle oriented at an angle with respect to the support assembly.

10. The infant entertainment device of claim 9 wherein the cradle further includes a first side wall extending from the body and a second side wall extending from the body.

11. The infant entertainment device of claim 10 wherein the cradle further includes a first shoulder formed at an intersection of the first side wall and the portion and a second shoulder formed at an intersection of the second side wall and the portion, the shoulders providing space for the infant's arms to apply a force to and rotate the cradle with respect to the support assembly.

12. The infant entertainment device of claim 1 further comprising a mat having a plurality of areas and wherein the support assembly is positioned on the mat, the pedestal configured to rotate with respect to the support assembly to position the infant to view one of the areas.

13. The infant entertainment device of claim 1 further comprising an electronics module supported by the pedestal and a plurality of electronic devices positioned remote from the electronics module, the electronics module configured to generate a signal to cause the electronic device to perform an action.

14. The infant entertainment device of claim 13 wherein the electronics module and the electronic devices communicate via infrared signals.

15. The infant entertainment device of claim 13 wherein the electronics module includes a processor configured to generate an audio signal when the electronic device performs the action.

16. The infant entertainment device of claim 13 wherein the electronics module is electrically connected to the electronic device, and wherein the electronics module is configured to detect when the infant activates the electronic device and to transmit a signal to the electronic device to instruct the electronic device to perform an action in response to activation of the electronic device by the infant.

17. The infant entertainment device of claim 1 further comprising a mat having a power center secured thereto and configured to receive an electronic device, and an electronics module supported by the pedestal, and wherein the mat includes a pathway between the power center and the electronics module to provide electronic communication between the electronics module and the electronic device.

18. An infant entertainment device comprising:

a support assembly including a base having a recess defining a channel, a first ring configured to be received within the channel, and a second ring coupled to the first ring and configured to rotate with respect to the first ring; and

a pedestal including a header, and a cradle supported by the header, the header rotatably coupled to the second ring and the cradle configured to support an infant lying in a prone position, the cradle including a body having a front end and a rear end, and a portion extending from the front end, the body of the cradle oriented at an angle with respect to the base.

19. The infant entertainment device of claim 18 wherein the base includes an aperture having a first diameter, and wherein the support assembly further includes a plate having a second diameter being greater than the first diameter and being positioned beneath the channel of the base, the plate coupled to the second ring.

20. The infant entertainment device of claim 19 wherein the cradle further includes a first shoulder formed at an intersection of a first side wall of the body and the portion and a second shoulder formed at an intersection of a second side wall of the body and the portion, the shoulders providing space for the infant's arms to apply a force to and rotate the cradle with respect to the support assembly.