Infant Support

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward an infant seat (for example a bouncer seat) including a base frame and a support assembly having a frame and a pliable support suspended from the frame. The pliable support includes a head support portion and a foot support potion. The foot support potion of the pliable support includes an interactive feature operable to be engaged by the feet of an infant positioned in the bouncer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/533,464, entitled “Infant Support”, filed Sep. 12, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant support.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infant bouncer seats typically include a toy bar that extends over the seating area. While entertaining a child and stimulating hand and eye movement, such configurations typically do not encourage leg/feet movement. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an infant bouncer with an activity that encourages leg movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward an infant bouncer including a base frame and a support assembly having a frame and a pliable support suspended from the frame. The pliable support includes a head support portion and a foot support potion. The foot support potion includes an interactive feature operable to be engaged by the feet of an infant positioned in the bouncer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an infant support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of the frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown in isolation.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of the frame shown in FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrates top views of a pliable support in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3C illustrates a cross sectional view of the foot section of the pliable support, showing an interactive device captured within a pocket.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an activity bar in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an infant support 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes an infant support assembly 105 and an activity bar 110. The support assembly 105 includes a frame 205 (FIG. 2A) and a pliable support 115 suspended from the frame 205. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the frame 205 includes a base section 210, a back support section 215, and leg/foot support section 220.

The base section 210 contacts and supports the back 215 and leg 220 sections over a supporting surface (e.g., the floor). The base section 210 includes a first lateral member 225A and second lateral member 225B connected via intermediate bridge member 230 at lateral member proximal ends. The distal ends of the first 225A and second 225B lateral members are coupled to first 235A and second 235B side members, respectively. The side members 235A, 235B, each coupled to its respective lateral member 225A, 225B via a coupling member 240, extend upward from the supporting surface at a predetermined angle. In addition, the side members 235A, 235B are angled inward, toward each other (i.e., toward the central longitudinal axis of the support 10).

The base section 210 may be formed of flexible and/or resilient material to enable movement of the side members 235A, 235B with respect to the supporting surface (e.g., via the movements of an infant positioned with the support 10). As such, the seating area may rock with respect to the supporting surface.

The back support section 215 may be a generally-U-shaped structure defined by a first lateral portion 245A, a curved intermediate portion 250, and a second lateral portion 245B. A first hub 255A is coupled to the first lateral portion 245A and, similarly, a second hub 255B is coupled to the second lateral portion 245B. Each hub 255A, 255B includes a socket 260 that receives clips disposed on the activity bar 110.

In an embodiment, the curved intermediate portion 250 may be angled out of the plane including the first 245A and second 245B lateral portions. As best seen in FIG. 2B, the intermediate portion is canted at an angle X with respect to the lateral portions 245A, 245B. The degree of angle is not particularly limited. By way of example, the intermediate portion 250 may be canted approximately 30°. By providing this canting to the intermediate portion 250, the seat pocket formed by the pliable support 115 suspended from the frame 205 may be deeper than the seat pockets of conventional infant seats. The deeper seat pocket can provide a larger area for an infant to be positioned. Also, an infant can be better positioned to view ongoing activities and its surroundings.

The back support section 215 may be formed of generally rigid material such as hollow metal rods.

The leg support section 220 extends forward from the side members 235A, 235B, being coupled proximate the side member distal ends (e.g. proximate (below) the hubs 255A, 255B of the back support section 215). The leg support section 220 includes a generally arcuate member 265 extending from the first side member 235A to the second side member 235B. A sensory output device 270 may be coupled to the arcuate member 265. The sensory output device 270 may include components operable to produce sound (music, sound effects, etc.). In addition or alternatively, the sensory output device 270 may house a vibration device.

The pliable support 115 couples to the frame 205 (the pliable support 115 includes an internal pocket into which the frame sections 215, 220 are inserted) such that a seating area is formed that is sufficient to support an infant thereon (i.e., the pliable support cooperates with the frame 205 to define the seat pocket). As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pliable support includes a flexible body 305 having a head support section 315, a foot support section 320, and a torso support section 325 disposed between the head and foot section. The head support section 315 supports the head of an infant positioned on the support. The head support section 315 may include one or more protruding flexible members 330 disposed proximate the lateral sides of the pliable support 115. The protruding flexible members 330 provide an activity for an infant seated on the support 10, encouraging the infant to reach/grasp the protruding members. The protruding members 330 may remain within the perimeter of the pliable support 115, or may extend beyond the perimeter of the pliable support. The protruding flexible members 330 may be formed of any suitable materials and possess any shape/dimensions suitable for its described purpose. In an embodiment, the protruding flexible members 330 are formed of softgoods material and are stylized as the ears of an animal such as a monkey.

The torso support section 325 generally supports the torso of an infant positioned on the support. The torso support section 325 may include a harness 335 and/or a belt 340 that cooperate to secure an infant within the seating area of the support 10.

The leg support section 320 generally supports the legs and feet of an infant seated on the support 10. The leg support section 320 includes an interactive feature to encourage movement of the infant's legs and feet when seated on the support 10. In an embodiment, the leg section 320 of the pliable support 305 includes a first activity area 345 and a second activity area 350 disposed proximate the lower end of the body 305. The activity areas 345, 350 include an interactive feature such as a sensory output device. By way of example, the interactive feature is a mechanical device such as a mechanical sound generating device operable to generate sensory output. By way of specific example, the mechanical sound generating device is a rattle, a bell device, a crinkle material, a horn, etc.

The interactive mechanical feature may be captured and/or embedded with the pliable support 115. Referring to FIG. 3C, the activity area is formed as a pocket including a cavity 360 defined by a lower wall 365 and an upper wall 370. The interactive mechanical feature 375 is disposed within the cavity 360, being captured within the pocket such that it may be activated via physical engagement of the upper wall 370 (e.g., when an infant contacts the upper wall). In an embodiment the interactive mechanical feature may be in the form of a generally cylindrical canister containing rattle beads and/or bells. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the interactive feature 375 may be secured to the exterior surface of the body 305.

With this configuration, the interactive feature (e.g., the mechanical sound generating device) is capable of being engaged by the feet of an infant positioned within the child receiving assembly. As such, an infant is encouraged to move her feet in an effort to engage the feature 375 to produce sensory stimulating output.

The pliable support 115 may be formed of any material suitable for its described purposed. By way of example, the pliable support 115 is formed of a softgoods material such as cotton. Similarly, the pliable support 115 may possess any shaped or dimensions suitable for its described purpose.

The activity bar 110 couples to the frame 205 via the frame hubs 255A, 255B. Referring to FIG. 4, the activity bar 110 is a generally arcuate structure including a first end portion 405, an intermediate portion 410 and a second end portion 415. The end portions 405, 415 are configured to couple to the support frame 205. In an embodiment, each end portion 405, 415 includes a retainer device or clip that mates with the socket 260 of the hubs 255A, 255B coupled to the frame 205.

One or more toys 420 may be suspended from the activity bar 110 at an appropriate height for a seated infant to interact with the toy. For example, plush or rigid character toys may hang from the intermediate portion 410 of the activity bar 110. The toys 420 may be removably attached from the activity bar 110. In addition, the toys 420 may generate sensory output such as lights and sounds. The activity bar 110 may further house electronics and a power source to enable the production of electronic sensory output such as lights and sound (e.g., music and sound effects).

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, although a infant seat with a bouncer frame has been specifically described, other types of infant seats could benefit from the features of the invention. It is to be understood that terms such as “left”, “right” “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “height”, “length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “interior”, “exterior”, “inner”, “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.

Claims

1. An infant support structure comprising:

a base configured to be placed on a support surface;

a child receiving assembly supported above the support surface by the base, the child-receiving assembly including a backrest portion operable to support the torso of an infant placed within the child receiving assembly, and a footrest portion extending forward from the backrest portion, the footrest portion configured to support the feet of the infant placed within the child receiving assembly; and

a mechanical sound generating device operable to generate sensory output, the mechanical sound generating device being housed within the footrest portion of the child receiving assembly,

wherein the mechanical sound generating device is capable of being engaged by the feet of an infant positioned within the child receiving assembly.

2. The infant support structure of claim 1 further comprising an entertainment bar disposed over the child receiving assembly, the entertainment bar positioning an entertainment device over the infant support structure.

3. The infant support structure of claim 2, wherein the entertainment bar extends from a first lateral side of the infant support structure to a second lateral side of the infant support structure.

4. The infant support structure of claim 1, further comprising a softgoods cover configured to enclose at least a portion of the child receiving assembly and the mechanical sound generating device is housed within the cover.

5. The infant support structure of 4, wherein:

the cover comprises a base material layer and a pocket material layer secured to the base material layer such that a cavity is defined within the cover; and

the mechanical sound generating device is housed within the cavity.

6. An infant support comprising:

an infant receiving portion comprising: a first frame section including a medial section, a first arm, and a second arm oriented in substantially parallel relation to the first arm, and a second frame section coupled to the first frame section, the second frame section disposed at an angle with respect to the first frame section;

a support portion supporting the infant receiving portion above a supporting surface; and

a cover suspended from the infant receiving portion, the cover extending from the first frame section to the second frame section, wherein the cover defines an engagement surface that engages and supports an infant received within the infant support device; and

a sensory device operable to generate sensory output, the sensory device being housed within the cover, wherein movement of an infant positioned on the infant receiving portion contacts the engagement surface, engaging the sensory device and generating sensory output.

7. The infant support of claim 6, wherein:

the first frame section defines a backrest of the infant receiving portion, the backrest being configured to support the torso of an infant received within the infant receiving portion; and

the second frame section defines a footrest of the infant receiving portion, the footrest being configured to support the feet of the infant received within the infant receiving portion.

8. The infant support of claim 7, wherein the sensory device is housed within the cover at location disposed solely within the footrest of the infant receiving portion.

9. The infant support of claim 6, wherein the sensory device is a non-motorized sensory device.

10. The infant support of claim 9, wherein the sensory device is selected from the group consisting of a rattle and a bell.

11. An infant bouncer comprising:

a frame including: a base frame portion configured to be placed on support surface, and a receiving portion disposed above the base frame portion, the receiving portion configured to receive an infant or child, the receiving portion having an upper end and a lower end;

an entertainment portion coupled to the frame proximate to the receiving portion; and

a cover suspended from the receiving portion of the frame to define a child support surface, the cover supporting a child positioned on the infant bouncer, wherein the cover comprises an audio generation device.

12. The infant bouncer of claim 11, wherein the cover comprises softgoods material.

13. The infant bouncer of claim 11, wherein receiving portion of the frame comprises:

a first frame section defining a backrest of the receiving portion, the backrest being configured to support the torso of an infant received within the receiving portion; and

a second frame section defining a footrest of the receiving portion, the footrest being configured to support the feet of the infant received within the receiving portion.

14. The infant bouncer of claim 13, wherein the audio generating device is housed within the cover a location disposed solely within the footrest of the receiving portion.

15. The infant bouncer of 11, wherein:

the cover comprises a base material layer and a pocket material layer secured to the base material layer such that a cavity is defined within the cover; and

the audio generating device is housed within the cavity.