TOY BAR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A toy bar assembly for a children's play accessory includes a main toy bar having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion extending between the first and second ends. In an assembled configuration the medial portion is elevated a distance above the first and second ends to define a play area for a child beneath the elevated medial portion. An auxiliary toy bar has an upper end and a lower end, and the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar is configured for attachment to the medial portion of the main toy bar in the assembled configuration. In example embodiments, the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar is repositionable along the medial portion of the main toy bar.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/304,627 filed Mar. 7, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/314,552 filed Mar. 29, 2016 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/395,085 filed Sep. 15, 2016, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of children's toys and accessories, and more particularly to a toy bar assembly for supporting toys, a canopy, and/or various entertainment features or accessories over a play or rest area.

BACKGROUND

Small children are often placed on a play mat or other play area to play with toys and/or to view and/or interact with various features. In some instances, it may be desirable to support one or more toys, entertainment features, soothing features, or other components in an elevated position over the play area. Toy bars can be used to suspend toys, support a sunscreen or canopy, and position various other entertainment features or items over a play area. Continued improvements in the field are sought. Accordingly, it is to the provision of an improved toy bar assembly for supporting items over and around a play or rest area that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides an improved toy bar assembly for supporting items over and around a play area. The toy bar can be configured to provide for repositionable or adjustable location, and for improved structural support and positioning of supported items. In further example embodiments, one or more components of the toy bar assembly are detachably coupled to one another for ease of assembly and disassembly, and for compact storage when not in use.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a toy bar assembly including a main toy bar having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion extending between the first and second ends. In an assembled configuration the medial portion is elevated a distance above the first and second ends to define a play or rest area for a child beneath the elevated medial portion. The toy bar assembly preferably also includes an auxiliary toy bar having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar being configured for attachment to the medial portion of the main toy bar in the assembled configuration.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a toy bar assembly including a main toy bar having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion extending between the first and second ends. The toy bar assembly preferably also includes an auxiliary toy bar having an upper end and a lower end, and a repositionable coupling attached to the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar and repositionable between at least two positions along the medial portion of the main toy bar.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a toy bar assembly including a main toy bar having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion extending between the first and second ends. The toy bar assembly preferably also includes an auxiliary toy bar having an upper end and a lower end, and a detachable coupling between the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar and the medial portion of the main toy bar.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a children's play accessory including a mat defining an area within which a child can play or rest. The play accessory preferably also includes a main toy bar having a first end attached at or adjacent a first portion of the play mat, a second end attached at or adjacent a second portion of the play mat generally opposite the play or rest area from the first portion, and a medial portion between the first and second ends of the play bar being elevated a distance above the play mat. The play accessory preferably also includes an auxiliary toy bar having a lower end attached to the mat, and an upper end attached to the medial portion of the main toy bar.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a toy bar assembly and children's play area according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a detailed view of a repositionable and detachable coupling component of the toy bar assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the toy bar assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toy bar assembly of FIG. 1 with a canopy supported thereon.

FIG. 4 is a back view of the toy bar assembly of FIG. 1, showing alternate positions of a repositionable support component thereof.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a repositionable coupling component of the toy bar assembly of FIG. 1, showing a slotted portion thereof for passage over toy suspension loops on a main toy bar support component.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show a sequence of coupling of a detachable coupling component of the toy bar assembly of FIG. 1, according to an example mode of use.

FIG. 7 shows another detachable coupling component for a toy bar assembly according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows another detachable coupling component for a toy bar assembly according to another example embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D show a connection mode of a detachable coupling component for a toy bar assembly according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a toy bar assembly according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a toy bar assembly according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a repositionable coupling component of a toy bar assembly according to another example embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-9 show a toy bar assembly 10 according to an example embodiment of the invention. In the depicted embodiment, the toy bar assembly 10 generally comprises a first or main toy bar 30 and a second or auxiliary toy bar 70. The auxiliary toy bar 70 can provide additional stability to the main toy bar 30 by restricting the lateral movement of the main toy bar and providing additional structural support, can support one or more additional entertainment or functional features, and/or can enable selective adjustment and repositioning of the main toy bar and/or selective adjustment and repositioning of the auxiliary toy bar relative to the main toy bar, for example to change the height, position and/or orientation of one or both toy bars. In example embodiments, the toy bar assembly 10 is configured for use in connection with a play mat 20 or other play surface, child containment or child supporting device. In example embodiments, the play mat 20 has a front, a back, and first and second sides, defining a play and/or rest area generally therebetween. In example embodiments, the play mat 20 may be generally circular, oval, rectangular, square or otherwise configured.

The main toy bar 30 comprises an elongate member having a first end 32 and a second end 34, and a medial portion 36 between the first and second ends. In example embodiments, the main toy bar 30 can comprise a flexible resilient body, for example having a flexible plastic, foam, metal or otherwise constructed core with a fabric or other soft goods covering, at least a portion of which allows flexure or bending into an arcuate or angled configuration, such as the arch configuration depicted. In alternate embodiments, the main toy bar 30 can comprise a substantially rigid component or components, molded or otherwise constructed to form an arcuate or angled configuration. The arcuate or angled configuration of the main toy bar 30 defines a play area generally beneath and around at least its medial portion 36, in which a child may be placed for play and interaction, for example on and around the play mat 20 in the depicted embodiment. The main toy bar 30 optionally further comprises one or more fabric loops 40 extending therefrom, for attachment of one or more suspended toys 42 or other entertainment features from the main toy bar. In alternate embodiments, some or all of the toys or entertainment features 42 can be directly attached to the toy bar 30. The main toy bar 30 optionally further comprises one or more lights, speakers and/or other entertainment features embedded therein or attached thereto.

The auxiliary toy bar 70 also comprises an elongate member having a first end 72 and a second end 74, and a medial portion 76 between the first and second ends. In example embodiments, the auxiliary toy bar 70 can also comprise a flexible resilient body, for example having a flexible plastic, foam, metal or otherwise constructed core with a fabric or other soft goods covering, at least a portion of which allows flexure or bending into an arcuate or angled configuration such as the partial arch configuration depicted. In alternate embodiments, the auxiliary toy bar 70 can comprise a substantially rigid component or components, molded or otherwise constructed to form an arcuate or angled configuration. The auxiliary toy bar 70 optionally also comprises one or more fabric loops extending therefrom for attachment of one or more suspended toys or other entertainment feature from the auxiliary toy bar. In alternate embodiments, some or all of the toys or entertainment features can be directly attached to the auxiliary toy bar 70. The auxiliary toy bar 70 optionally also further comprises one or more lights, speakers and/or other entertainment features embedded therein or attached thereto.

The second end 74 of the auxiliary toy bar 70 is repositionably and/or detachably coupled to the medial portion 36 of the main toy bar 30, for example by a repositionable and/or detachable coupling 110 as shown in greater detail in FIG. 1A, FIG. 5 and FIGS. 9A-9C. The provision of a repositionable coupling 110 allows an adult caregiver or user to selectively reposition or adjust the point of attachment of the auxiliary toy bar 70 to the main toy bar 30, to vary the assembly configuration of the toy bar assembly 10, for example as indicated by directional arrows in FIGS. 1A, 4 and 5. For example, the attachment point may be selectively repositioned to adjust the position of a sunscreen or canopy 130 supported by the toy bar assembly 10 and positioned over the play area as shown in FIG. 3, to adjust the height or position of toys or other items suspended from either the main and/or auxiliary toy bars, for improved access to the play area, or for other purposes. In this manner, the toy bar assembly 10 can be adjusted as desired to match a child's size, the relative position of the child, placement of the toy bar assembly in relation to other products, or for other purposes. In example embodiments, the point of attachment of the auxiliary toy bar 70 to the main toy bar is continuously adjustable along a positional range, for example from a first offset position as shown in solid lines in FIG. 4, through a central position as shown in broken lines and to an opposite second offset position as shown in broken lines. Alternatively, two or more discrete points of adjustment may be provided for attachment of the auxiliary toy bar 70 to the main toy bar.

As shown in greater detail in FIG. 5, in example embodiments the repositionable coupling 110 comprises a T-shaped, I-shaped or otherwise configured coupling including a laterally extending cylindrical tubular sleeve 112 and a transversely extending cylindrical tubular collar 114 extending generally perpendicularly from a back side of the sleeve. The sleeve 112 preferably defines a conduit or channel extending through its length having an inside diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of the main toy bar 30, allowing a user to slide the sleeve 112 of the repositionable coupling 110 back and forth over and along at least a portion of the length of the toy bar (as indicated by directional arrows in FIG. 4). In example embodiments, the inside diameter of the sleeve 112 is configured to receive and engage the main toy bar with a snug fit, to retain the coupling 110 in a set position when placed by a user, and to resist unintentional movement due to weight of a canopy and/or toys or other items borne by the toy bar assembly 10. In alternate embodiments, the repositionable coupling 110 can include a lock and release mechanism for selectively locking its position along the main toy bar, and releasing the coupling to allow repositioning. The sleeve 112 optionally has a slot 116 extending along its length, for example along a lower or bottom side thereof, to allow the sleeve to slide past the fabric loops 40 attached to the main toy bar 30 from which toys 42 may be suspended. In example embodiments, the slot 116 is wide enough to provide easy clearance of the toy loops 40 or other coupling means for attachment of toys or other entertainment features 42 to the toy bars, as the coupling 110 is repositioned, but not so wide as to permit the main toy bar 30 to easily pull through the slot. In example embodiments, the collar 114 defines a receiver conduit or channel configured to receive the upper end 74 of the auxiliary toy bar 70 with a secure but detachable fit. In another example embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the repositionable coupling comprises a fabric sleeve 575 attached to the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar 570 that slidably receives the main toy bar 530, allowing the auxiliary toy bar to be repositioned by sliding the sleeve back and forth along the main toy bar. Alternatively, the upper end 74 of the auxiliary toy bar 70 can be permanently or semi-permanently attached to the collar 114, or a detachable coupling can be provided, for example as shown in FIG. 9 and described in further detail below.

The toy bar assembly 10 optionally further comprises one or more support feet 130 providing a stable base for the toy bar assembly. In example embodiments, the support feet 130 are attached to or form a portion of the play mat 20, or alternatively can be separate stand-alone components. For example, in the example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, a pair of support feet 130 are attached to opposite sides of the play mat 20 by one or more straps 132. Support feet 130 are optionally provided for attachment to either or both of the first and second ends 32, 34 of the main toy bar 30, and/or to the lower end 72 of the auxiliary toy bar 70. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second ends 32, 34 of the main toy bar 30 are supported by support feet 130. In example embodiments, the support feet provide a sufficiently stable base for maintaining the main toy bar upright, with or without the provision of a play mat, and/or with or without attachment of the auxiliary toy bar. Detachable couplings are optionally provided for attachment of one or both of the toy bar(s) 30, 70 to support feet 130. For example, connection hubs 140 can be provided at the ends of the toy bar(s) configured for releasable engagement with coupling receivers 142 in the support feet 130. In example embodiments, the coupling receivers 142 define a wider opening portion for receiving a wide flange portion of the connection hubs 140, and a narrower slot portion for receiving a narrower finger portion of the connection hubs and preventing retraction of the wide flange portion therefrom. Optionally, a resiliently cantilevered snap fin extends below the wider opening portion of the coupling receivers 142 to retain the flange portion of the connection hub 140 in the narrower slot portion and prevent inadvertent detachment of the toy bar from the support foot.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show alternative detachable coupling features for attachment of the lower end 72 of the auxiliary toy bar 70 to the play mat 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, a toggle bar 170 is affixed to the lower end 72 of the auxiliary toy bar 70, and the lower end of the auxiliary bar is inserted through a fabric sleeve 172 provided on the back of a peripheral wall 22 of the play mat 20. The toggle bar 170 retains the lower end 72 of the auxiliary toy bar 70 in the fabric sleeve 172, and rests against the floor or other underlying support surface to define a fulcrum about which the auxiliary toy bar can pivot or rotate as the upper end 72 of the auxiliary toy bar is repositioned on the main toy bar 30. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the lower end 72 of the auxiliary toy bar 70 is inserted through a fabric loop 180 affixed to the floor of the play mat 20, and an inner end of the toggle bar 170 is inserted between the floor of the play mat and a retention strap 182 attached to the floor. The toggle bar 170 retains the lower end 72 of the auxiliary toy bar 70 in the fabric loop 180, and provides a fulcrum about which the auxiliary toy bar can pivot or rotate as the upper end 72 of the auxiliary toy bar is repositioned on the main toy bar 30. In alternate embodiments, the lower end of the auxiliary toy bar is affixed at or near the bottom edge of the peripheral wall 22 of the play mat

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D show an example embodiment and mode of use of a detachable and repositionable coupling 110′ for attachment of the upper end 74 of the auxiliary toy bar 70 to the medial portion 36 of the main toy bar 30. A male connector 210 is attached to the upper end 74 of the auxiliary toy bar 70, and includes one or more outwardly projecting engagement fingers 212. The cylindrical tubular collar 114′ extending transversely from the tubular sleeve 112′ of the repositionable coupling 110′ includes one or more retention slots 220 for receiving a corresponding engagement finger 212 of the male connector 210 in similar fashion to a bayonet coupling. In example form, the retention slots include an open-ended axial lead-in segment, a transverse rotation segment, and an axial return segment, defining a generally U-shaped or J-shaped slot path. To connect the male connector 210 with the collar 114′ of the repositionable coupling 110′, the engagement fingers 212 are inserted into the lead-in segment of the slots (FIGS. 9A-9B), the male connector is twisted to move the fingers through the rotation segment of the slots (FIGS. 9B-9C), and retracted to secure the fingers in the return segments of the slot (FIGS. 9C-9D). The process is reversed to detach the male connector 210 from the collar 114′ and thereby detach the auxiliary toy bar 70 from the main toy bar 30.

FIG. 10 shows another example embodiment of a toy bar assembly 310 according to the present invention. In similar fashion to the previously described embodiment, first and second ends of the main toy bar 330 are attached to support feet 340 along opposite sides of a play area beneath the toy bar assembly 310. A curved guide rail 350 extends between the feet 340, and extends arcuately toward the back of the play area. The upper end of the auxiliary toy bar 370 is repositionably and optionally detachably attached to a medial portion of the main toy bar 330, and the lower end of the auxiliary toy bar is repositionably and optionally detachably attached to the curved guide rail 350. In this manner, the auxiliary toy bar 370 can be selectively repositioned about the play area by sliding its lower end along the guide rail 350 and/or sliding its upper end along the main toy bar 330. Repositioning the auxiliary toy bar 370 optionally also adjusts the height, orientation and or other positioning or configuration of the main toy bar. In alternate embodiments, the lower end of the auxiliary toy bar 370 is fixedly attached to the curved guide rail 350, and repositioning the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar along the main toy bar 330 is effected by pivoting the auxiliary toy bar about its fixed lower end. The upper end of the auxiliary toy bar 370 may comprise a U-shaped or C-shaped channel or receiver or coupling for sliding and optionally detachable engagement with the main toy bar 330. One or more stops or positional limits 390 are optionally provided, for example in the form of bars, flanges or fingers projecting outwardly from the main toy bar 330, for limiting the range of positional adjustment of the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar 370 along the main toy bar.

FIG. 11 shows another example embodiment of a toy bar assembly 410 according to the present invention. In similar fashion to the previously described embodiment, first and second ends of the main toy bar 430 are attached to support feet 440 along opposite sides of a play area beneath the toy bar assembly 410. A curved guide rail 450 extends between the feet 440, and extends arcuately toward the back of the play area. A play mat 420 is optionally provided between the support feet 440, and may be attached to the feet 440, the guide rail 450, or may be a separate unattached component. The upper end of the auxiliary toy bar 470 is repositionably and optionally detachably attached to a medial portion of the main toy bar 430, and the lower end of the auxiliary toy bar may be repositionably and optionally detachably attached to the curved guide rail 450 or may be fixedly attached. In this manner, the auxiliary toy bar 470 can be selectively repositioned about the play area by sliding its lower end along the guide rail 450 or by pivoting about its attachment point, and/or by sliding its upper end along the main toy bar 430. One or more LEDs or other light sources are optionally embedded in or mounted on either or both of the toy bars 430, 470. One or more toys 490 or other entertainment features may be suspended from the main toy bar 430 and/or from the auxiliary toy bar 470. Repositioning the point of attachment of the auxiliary toy bar 470 to the main toy bar 430 adjusts the height and/or other position of the toys 490 relative to a child lying or seated on the play mat 420.

In example methods of use according to the present invention, the toy bar assembly provides an elevated support structure over a play area for a child. The elevated support structure may support one or more toys or other entertainment features supported therefrom, may support a sunscreen or canopy or other functional and/or aesthetic components above or around the play area, and/or may define a boundary of the play area. In example forms, the arch of the main toy bar defines an open end for a parent to access the play area to position or lift the child, and for interaction with the child, and the auxiliary toy bar defines an at least partially closed end or boundary for limiting the play area. The toy bar assembly may be assembled by attachment of its components as described and shown, and may be disassembled by detachment of the components in a generally reversed sequence. Selective adjustment of the point of attachment of the auxiliary toy bar with the main toy bar may be effected by an adult caregiver to reconfigure the toy bar assembly, for example to reposition one or more toys suspended from the toy bar assembly relative to the play area, for example to be in or out of reach of the child, in or out of a line of sight or the child, or to provide easier access in or out of the play area.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A toy bar assembly comprising:

a main toy bar having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion extending between the first and second ends, wherein in an assembled configuration the medial portion is elevated a distance above the first and second ends to define a play area for a child beneath the elevated medial portion; and

an auxiliary toy bar having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar being configured for attachment to the medial portion of the main toy bar in the assembled configuration.

2. The toy bar assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar is repositionable along the medial portion of the main toy bar.

3. The toy bar assembly of claim 1, further comprising a repositionable coupling at the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar, the repositionable coupling defining a channel for sliding engagement along the medial portion of the main toy bar.

4. The toy bar assembly of claim 3, wherein the repositionable coupling comprises a laterally extending tubular sleeve configured for sliding engagement along the medial portion of the main toy bar and a transversely extending tubular collar extending generally perpendicularly from a back side of the sleeve configured for attachment with the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar.

5. The toy bar assembly of claim 3, wherein the coupling further comprises a detachable coupling for selective disengagement and reengagement of the auxiliary toy bar relative to the main toy bar.

6. The toy bar assembly of claim 4, further comprising at least one toy attachment extending from the main toy bar, and wherein the tubular sleeve defines a slot for passage over the at least one toy attachment as the repositionable coupling slides in engagement along the main toy bar.

7. The toy bar assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pair of support feet for attachment with the first and second ends of the main toy bar.

8. The toy bar assembly of claim 7, further comprising a detachable coupling between the support feet and the first and second ends of the main toy bar.

9. The toy bar assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar comprises a fabric sleeve engaged around and repositionable along the medial portion of the main toy bar.

10. The toy bar assembly of claim 1, further comprising a play mat for positioning beneath the elevated medial portion of the main toy bar in the assembled configuration.

11. The toy bar assembly of claim 10, further comprising a detachable coupling between the lower end of the auxiliary toy bar and the play mat.

12. The toy bar assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one positional stop projecting outwardly from the main toy bar, for limiting a range of positional adjustment of the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar along the main toy bar.

13. The toy bar assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one toy suspended from the toy bar assembly.

14. A toy bar assembly comprising:

a main toy bar having a first end, a second end, and a medial portion extending between the first and second ends;

an auxiliary toy bar having an upper end and a lower end; and

a repositionable coupling attached to the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar and repositionable between at least two positions along the medial portion of the main toy bar.

15. The toy bar assembly of claim 14, wherein the repositionable coupling defines a channel for sliding engagement along the medial portion of the main toy bar.

16. The toy bar assembly of claim 15, wherein the repositionable coupling comprises a laterally extending tubular sleeve configured for sliding engagement along the medial portion of the main toy bar and a transversely extending tubular collar extending generally perpendicularly from a back side of the sleeve for attachment with the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar.

17. The toy bar assembly of claim 16, wherein the repositionable coupling further comprises a detachable coupling for selective disengagement and reengagement of the auxiliary toy bar relative to the main toy bar.

18. The toy bar assembly of claim 16, further comprising at least one toy attachment extending from the main toy bar, and wherein the tubular sleeve defines a slot for passage over the at least one toy suspension loop as the repositionable coupling slides in engagement along the main toy bar.

19. The toy bar assembly of claim 14, wherein the medial portion of the main toy bar is elevated a distance above the first and second ends in an assembled configuration to define a play area for a child beneath the elevated medial portion.

20. The toy bar assembly of claim 14, further comprising a pair of support feet for attachment with the first and second ends of the main toy bar.

21. The toy bar assembly of claim 20, further comprising a detachable coupling between the support feet and the first and second ends of the main toy bar.

22. The toy bar assembly of claim 14, wherein the repositionable coupling comprises a fabric sleeve engaged around and repositionable along the medial portion of the main toy bar.

23. The toy bar assembly of claim 14, further comprising a play mat for positioning beneath the medial portion of the main toy bar.

24. The toy bar assembly of claim 23, further comprising a detachable coupling between the lower end of the auxiliary toy bar and the play mat.

25. The toy bar assembly of claim 14, further comprising at least one positional stop projecting outwardly from the main toy bar, for limiting a range of positional adjustment of the repositionable coupling along the main toy bar.

26. The toy bar assembly of claim 14, further comprising at least one toy suspended from the toy bar assembly.

27. A children's play accessory comprising:

a play mat defining a play and rest area for a child;

a main toy bar having a first end attached at or adjacent a first portion of the play mat, a second end attached at or adjacent a second portion of the play mat generally opposite the first portion, and a medial portion between the first and second ends and elevated a distance above the play mat; and

an auxiliary toy bar having a lower end attached to the play mat, and an upper end attached to the medial portion of the main toy bar.

28. The children's play accessory of claim 27, further comprising a detachable coupling between the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar and the main toy bar.

29. The children's play accessory of claim 27, further comprising a repositionable coupling between the upper end of the auxiliary toy bar and the medial portion of the main toy bar.