MODULAR CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY SYSTEM

Abstract

A modular children's activity system including one or more support platforms and/or one or more support base frames. The support platforms and support base frames are configured to be arranged in a variety of configurations to form a number of different children's accessories, such as for example a jumper, a table, an entertainment center, and/or a play mat, whereby a single set of components can be configured in a variety of configurations to extend the useful lifespan of the system through a child's growth and development.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/027,067 filed May 19, 2020, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of children's accessories, such as for example children's seats, play mats, activity tables and accessories, and more particularly to modular children's activity systems convertible between different configurations including children's jumpers, play mats, activity tables and/or chairs.

BACKGROUND

Children's accessories and furniture can help promote physical and mental development in children and provide convenience to parents through various stages of early childhood. For example, during infancy, a baby mat provides a safe environment for babies to lie and/or rest. As babies grow, jumpers and activity centers can aid in developing muscles and motor skills while also providing entertainment for the child. As children continue to grow, activity tables, chairs and other accessories may be more appropriate to accommodate more advanced activities. Most parents acknowledge that children grow and develop at an astounding rate, often outgrowing typical children's gear and devices in relatively short time. As a result, the useful life of many known children's accessories may be short-lived and result in considerable expense and waste when products are replaced as a child develops.

Accordingly, it has been found that needs exist for children's accessories that can be reconfigured for different uses as a child grows and develops. It is to the provision of an improved children's activity system meeting these and other needs that the present disclosure is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

According to example embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a modular children's activity system that can be reconfigured for different uses as a child grows and develops. In example embodiments, the system includes a top insert, a base and a bottom plate. The top insert includes a seat integrated or mounted thereon. The base includes a top frame and a plurality of legs or support posts. The bottom plate is suspended from the base by a plurality of suspension components.

In further example embodiments, the disclosure relates to a children's activity system including a top insert, a base and a bottom plate. The base includes a top frame and a plurality of legs or support posts. The bottom plate is suspended from the base by a plurality of suspension components. The top insert includes a rigid panel and a seat mounted to the rigid panel.

In other example embodiments, the disclosure relates to a children's activity system including a top insert, a base and a bottom plate. The base includes a top frame and a plurality of legs or support posts. The bottom plate is suspended from the base by a plurality of suspension components. The top insert includes an elastic panel and a seat mounted to the elastic panel.

In still further embodiments, the disclosure relates to a children's activity system including a top insert, a base and a bottom plate. The base includes a top frame and a plurality of legs or support posts. The bottom plate is suspended from the base by a plurality of suspension components. The top insert includes an elastomeric mesh panel and a seat mounted to the elastomeric mesh panel. Optionally, the elastomeric mesh panel may include a plurality of openings configured to receive and temporarily retain a variety of children's toys and accessories.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed example embodiments 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, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a children's activity system configured as a jumper, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a baby mat configuration converted from the children's activity system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a children's seat configuration converted from the children's activity system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an activity table configuration converted from the children's activity system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a children's activity system configured as a jumper, according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a web-like mesh having a plurality of gaps or openings and adapted for retaining other toys and accessories in the plurality of gaps and openings.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an activity table configuration converted from the children's activity system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of one of the legs of the activity table of FIG. 6, showing possible movement of the leg.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the activity table of FIG. 6 in an entertainment table configuration.

FIG. 9 shows a play mat configured to be used as a tabletop insert for the activity table of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 10-13 show various configurations of a modular children's activity system, according to further example embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14-17 show various configurations of a modular children's activity system, according to further example embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 18-21 show various configurations of a modular children's activity system, according to further example embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 22-24 show various configurations of a modular children's activity system, according to further example embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 25-26 show various configurations of a modular children's activity system, according to further example embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 27-29 show various configurations of a modular children's activity system, according to further example embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure 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, FIGS. 1-29 show examples of modular baby gear systems according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The modular baby gear systems generally comprise a plurality of support platforms and/or a plurality of support structures. Generally, the support structures are configured to support one or more support platforms above a support surface (e.g., floor or other underlying ground surface). In some depicted embodiments, the support platforms are configured to hold and support a child or infant. In other depicted embodiments, the support platforms provide a surface on which the child can carry out a variety of activities, such as for example writing, drawing, playing with toys, eating and studying. In still other depicted embodiments, the support platforms serve as surfaces for securing children's toys and/or accessories and providing all-around entertainment centers. Generally, the modular baby gear systems are configured such that one or more support structures are compatible with one or more support platforms. Accordingly, a single set of components can be configured in a variety of configurations extending the lifespan of the products and reducing lifetime cost and waste.

FIGS. 1-4 show a modular children's activity system according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure. According to example embodiments, components of the modular children's activity system can be configured in a variety of configurations, such as for example a children's jumper configuration 110, an activity table configuration 170, a play mat configuration 150 and/or a chair configuration 160. FIG. 1, for example, shows a configuration of the children's activity system in the form of a convertible children's jumper 110 according to an example embodiment. Generally, the jumper configuration 110 includes a base or support frame 120, a seat platform 140 comprising a child-receiving apparatus or child-seat 142 and a bottom plate 130 suspended from the base by a plurality of suspension elements or elastic tethers 138. The base 120 includes a top portion having a top frame 122 configured to receive and retain the seat platform 140. The top frame 122 is supported by at least one leg 124, for example a plurality of legs such as two, three, four or more legs. In example embodiments, the base 120 is configured to rest on a support surface (e.g., floor or other underlying ground surface) and, when an infant or child C is occupying the child-seat 142, child C is suspended above the support surface by the seat 142. The bottom plate 130 is configured to be suspended under the child's legs and feet and provide tactile feedback as the child moves his/her legs to push down on the bottom plate 130. The child's interaction with the bottom plate 130 is designed to teach balance, develop lower body motor skills and provide exercise. According to example embodiments, components of the activity system 110 including, for example, the base 120, seat platform 140, and bottom plate 130 may be rearranged or reconfigured into a jumper configuration and/or other children's activity device configurations, such as for example a play mat configuration, activity table configurations and/or chair configurations. In example embodiments, the system further includes instructions for configuring one or more components of the system into the different configurations, such as for example written instructions included in or on packaging for the system, on the system components, video instructions, and/or instructions provided via the internet or other communications system. Additional aspects of the disclosure include methods of assembly and/or use of the system by assembly of one or more of the components into one or more of the configurations.

Generally, the base 120 comprises a top portion comprising a top frame 122 supported by a bottom portion comprising legs 124. In example embodiments, the base 120 comprises an assembly of geometric tubing of rigid materials, such as for example polyethylene or other polymers or plastics, aluminum or other metals, composites, natural or synthetic wood, or other structural materials of construction. In example embodiments, the top frame 122 is configured or adapted such that other children's toys and accessories A can be removably attached thereto (see FIG. 1). For example, the top frame 122 may comprise one or more dedicated adaptors or receivers for releasably retaining one or more children's toys and/or accessories A. In another example, the top frame 122 may be adapted for clamping or clipping thereon the children's toys and/or accessories A, for example, by way of dedicated slots or grooves. In example embodiments, the top frame 122 comprises a perimetric structure defining an area or opening configured to receive and retain, for example, the seat platform 140—or the bottom plate 130 in certain configurations as described greater detail below. In the depicted embodiment, the top frame 122 has an annular profile with an inner circular opening adapted to secure therein the circular seat platform 140. However, in other example embodiments, the top frame and top insert can be any geometric shape as desired or preferred.

In example embodiments, the top frame 122 is supported by two generally U-shaped legs 124 where each of the legs 124 includes a first vertical post 124a, a second vertical post 124b and a bottom crossmember 124c, as best shown in FIG. 3. Each of the first and second vertical posts 124a, 124b comprise top, proximal ends and bottom, distal ends. In example embodiments, the top, proximal ends of the first and second vertical posts are configured to be detachably secured to the top frame 122 while the bottom, distal ends of the vertical posts 124a and 124b are connected by the bottom crossmember 124c. In example embodiments, the legs 124 comprise elliptical tubing arranged in a generally trapezoidal profile. The trapezoidal profile ensures a wider footprint towards the support surface (e.g., ground) than near the top to help increase the stability in the various baby gear configurations. In example embodiments, the bottom, distal ends of the vertical posts and bottom crossmember 124c form an arcuate or rounded profile to permit rocking motions, for example, in the jumper and chair configurations 140, 160. In some example embodiments, the first vertical post 124a, second vertical posts 124b and crossmember 124c may comprise at least portions or section deformable or flexible material which can be twisted or otherwise manipulated to prevent rocking motions. For example, the crossmembers 124c may comprise a deformable or modifiable portion or section allowing the legs to be altered from the general U-shaped profile to a W-shaped profile effectively providing four points of contact with the support surface to prevent any rocking of the baby gear. Alternatively, feet or stops 140 may be provided under the legs 124, as best shown in FIG. 4, to achieve the same purpose.

In example embodiments, the seat platform 140 comprises an outer ring or frame 146 surrounding a surface panel 144 and a child-seat 142 embedded or integrated in, for example, substantially the center of the surface panel 144. In example embodiments, the surface panel comprises a rigid panel material, such as for example, polyethylene or other rigid, durable material. In some example embodiments, the surface panel 144 comprises an elastomeric mesh or an elastic web membrane 244 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). In example embodiments, the elastomeric mesh 244 is a web or a mesh of elastomeric material featuring a matrix of gaps or cell openings in which a variety of children's toys and accessories A can be removably secured. In example embodiments, the elastomeric mesh 244 provides enough tension between the child-seat 248 and the outer frame 242 to keep the child suspended from the support surface (e.g., ground) and allows for vertical and slight tilting motions while the child is seated in the child-seat 248. In other example embodiments, the surface panel comprises an elastic, tensioned fabric. In still other example embodiments, the surface panel comprises an elastic, tensioned fabric surface with an elastomeric mesh membrane.

In example embodiments, the bottom plate 130 is generally suspended below the seat platform 140 and child-seat 142 by a plurality of suspension or elastic tethers 138 removably connected to the base 120 or legs 124. The bottom plate 130 is spaced from the seat platform 140 and child-seat 142 such that, when a child is seated in the child-seat 142, the child is able to manipulate the bottom plate 130 in three-dimensional motion. For example, the child can push down on the bottom plate 130 with his/her feet and also wobble it side-to-side, as depicted by the motion arrows in FIG. 1. The child's interaction with the bottom plate, and the tactile feedback therefrom, can help with the development of the child's motor skills, body awareness and muscle growth. In example embodiments, the height or vertical position of the bottom plate may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tethers 138 or the attachment points of the tethers to the base 120 or legs 124.

In example embodiments, the children's activity system can also be reconfigured or converted into multiple (two or more) different children's accessory configurations depending on the needs of the child during various stages of the child's growth and development—for example, a play mat configuration for a newborn, an activity table configuration for infant and a sling chair configuration for a toddler (see FIGS. 2-4). For example, to accommodate a newborn child not yet capable or ready to sit independently, the bottom plate 130 of the children's activity system can be used as a play mat, as shown in FIG. 2. The bottom plate 130 includes a first, upholstered side 132 and a second, hard-surface side 134. When used separately and alone, the bottom plate 130 can be placed on the support surface with the upholstered side 132 facing up wherein the upholstered side provides a safe and padded area for the child to play and rest.

As the child grows, the children's activity system can be converted to a chair configuration 160, as shown in FIG. 3, to accommodate toddlers and older children. According to example embodiments, in the chair configuration, the seat platform 140 is replaced with a chair insert 148. In example embodiments, the chair insert 148 is removably secured to the top frame 122. In example embodiments, the chair insert 148 comprises a fabric or mesh material attached to and surrounded by an outer frame. Generally, the fabric or mesh material is adapted to support the child in a seated position and may be elastic or nonelastic. In the chair configuration 160, the bottom plate 130 and suspension members 138 may be removed from the base 120 without affecting the functionality of the chair. To provide a more comfortable seating angle for the child user, extension members may be inserted between respective vertical posts (for example, post 124b) of each leg 124 and the top frame 122 whereby one side of the top frame 122 is positioned lower to the support surface than the opposite side of the top frame (i.e., the side of the top frame 122 supported by vertical posts 124a is lower than the opposite side of the top frame 122 supported by vertical posts 124b as depicted in FIG. 3).

Alternatively, the activity system can be converted to an activity table configuration 170, as shown in FIG. 4. According to example embodiments, in the activity table configuration, the seat platform 140 is replaced with the bottom plate 130 wherein the bottom plate 130 is removably secured to the top frame 122 with the hard-surface side 134 facing up. The hard-surface tabletop 134 provides an area on which the child or user can partake in a variety of activities, such as for example writing, drawing, playing with toys, eating, studying, etc. To prevent rocking and provide stability in the table, chair or jumper configurations, feet or wedges 126 may be detachably secured to the underside of crossmembers 124c.

In another example form, the present disclosure relates to a modular children's activity system comprising a plurality of interchangeable and/or reconfigurable modular components which, alone or in different combinations, can be arranged to construct or form a variety of children's accessories such as, for example, a jumper, a baby mat, an activity table and/or a chair. The modular activity system provides a convenient and efficient system capable of providing a variety of accessories and furniture to accommodate the needs of a child as the child grows from a newborn to an infant to a toddler and beyond. In example embodiments, the modular activity system comprises at least a top insert, a body frame adapted to receive the top insert, a bottom plate suspended from the body frame, and a plurality of suspension components. In example embodiments, the top insert, body frame, bottom plate and plurality of suspension components, alone or in combinations thereof, can be rearranged to form the children's jumper, activity table, chair and/or baby mat. In example embodiments, the top insert comprises a rigid panel with a seat adapted for a child embedded or integrated therein. The rigid panel is surrounded by an outer frame configured to be releasably mated or mounted to the body frame. In some example embodiments, the top insert includes an elastic panel comprising an elastic fabric and/or an elastomeric mesh membrane, and the seat is suspended from the outer frame by the elastic panel. Additionally, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure, the bottom plate includes an upholstered side and a hard-top side. Accordingly, the bottom plate can function as a play mat wherein the upholstered side provides a safe and padded area for a child to play and rest. Alternatively, the hard-top side of the bottom plate can also function as a tabletop when placed on the body frame. In some example embodiments, the modular baby gear system may include additional components such as for example a top insert comprising a fabric or mesh panel tensioned between an outer frame and adapted to support a child thereon in a seated position, for example, like a sling chair.

FIGS. 5-9 show a modular children's activity system according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, components of the modular activity system can be configured in a variety of configurations, such as for example a jumper configuration 210, an activity table configuration 260, an entertainment center configuration 270 and/or a play mat configuration 280. In the depicted embodiment, the jumper configuration 210 includes a seat platform 240 and a base frame 220. The seat platform 240 comprises an annular elastomeric mesh panel 244 tensioned between an outer ring 242 and an inner ring 246. In example embodiments, a seat 248 is mounted to the inner ring 246. The base frame 220 comprises a tabletop frame 226 and a plurality of legs 224 connected to the tabletop frame 226.

In the jumper configuration 210, as shown in FIG. 5, the base frame 220 is placed on the support surface (e.g., ground) with the tabletop frame 226 down and in contact with support surface and the plurality of legs 224 extending up or into the air. The seat platform 240 is mounted on and supported by the plurality of legs 224 over the tabletop frame 226. A child-seat 248 is attached or otherwise mounted to the inner ring 246 whereby the child-seat is supported and suspended over the support surface by the elastomeric mesh panel 244.

In the activity table configuration 260, as shown in FIG. 6, the seat platform 240 is removed and the base frame 220 is placed on the support surface with the plurality of legs 224 contacting the support surface and supporting the tabletop frame 226 above the support surface. In example embodiments, the tabletop frame 226 defines an opening configured to receive and retain a tabletop insert 230. The tabletop insert 230 comprises an upholstered side 232 and a hard-top side 234. For use with the activity table 260, the tabletop insert 230 is secured to the opening in the tabletop frame 226 with the hard-top side 234 facing up. Alternatively, the tabletop insert 230 can be replaced with the seat platform 240 to provide an entertainment center, as best shown in FIG. 8. The elastomeric mesh panel comprises a plurality of cell openings or gaps adapted to releasably hold a variety of children's toys and accessories A. In other example embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the tabletop insert 230 can be used alone as a play mat such that the upholstered side 232 provides a padded and safe area for an infant or child to play and/o rest.

As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of legs 224 are generally titled or slanted with respect to the tabletop frame 230. The legs 224 are optionally configured to rotate about an axis B transverse to the tabletop frame 230. Therefore, when the legs 224 are rotated about axis B, the free ends of the legs 224 are configured to follow circular trajectories allowing the legs to be configured such that they spread down and out in any configuration, for example inwardly or outwardly directed at an oblique, acute or obtuse angle, or at a right angle, relative to the tabletop. For example, in the activity table configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the legs 224 are rotated outward to form a wider base at the free ends of the legs 224. In the jumper configurations, as shown in FIG. 5, the free ends of legs 224 are rotated inwards and coupled to the seat platform 240 such that the legs tilt outwards closer to the support surface. The wider footprint near the support surface in both configurations ensures better stability.

FIGS. 10-13 show a modular children's activity system according to another example embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, components of the modular activity system can be configured in a variety of children's accessory configurations such as for example a child jumper configuration 310, an activity table configuration 360, an entertainment center configuration 370 and/or a play mat configuration 380.

FIGS. 14-17 show a modular children's activity system according to another example embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, components of the modular activity system can be configured in a variety of children's accessory configurations such as for example a child jumper configuration 410, an activity table configuration 460, a toy box or storage configuration 490 and/or a play mat configuration 480.

FIGS. 18-21 show a modular children's activity system according to another example embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, components of the modular activity system can be configured in a variety of children's accessory configurations such as for example a child jumper configuration 510, an activity table configuration 560, an entertainment center configuration 570 and/or a play mat configuration 580.

FIGS. 22-24 show a modular children's activity system according to another example embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, components of the modular activity system can be configured in a variety of children's accessory configurations such as for example a child jumper configuration 610, an activity table configuration 660, an entertainment center configuration 670 and/or a wobble disk configuration 680.

FIGS. 25-26 show a modular children's activity system according to another example embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, components of the modular activity system can be configured in a variety of children's accessory configurations such as for example a child jumper configuration 710 and an activity table configuration 760.

FIGS. 27-29 show a modular children's activity system according to another example embodiment. In the depicted embodiment, components of the modular activity system can be configured in a variety of children's accessory configurations such as for example a child jumper configuration 810, an activity table configuration 860 and/or a trampoline configuration 890.

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 modular activity system comprising:

a top insert including a seat integrated thereon,

a base having a top frame and plurality of legs, and

a bottom plate suspended from the base by a plurality of suspension components.

2. The modular activity system of claim 1, wherein the top insert, the base and the bottom plate are reconfigurable between a plurality of configurations, said plurality of configurations selected from a jumper configuration, a baby mat configuration, an activity table configuration, and a chair configuration.

3. The modular activity system of claim 1, wherein the top insert comprises a rigid panel and wherein the seat is integrated to the rigid panel.

4. The modular activity system of claim 1, wherein the top insert comprises an elastic panel and wherein the seat is integrated to the elastic panel and suspended therefrom.

5. The modular activity system of claim 1, wherein the top insert comprises an elastomeric mesh panel and wherein the seat is integrated with the elastomeric mesh panel and suspended therefrom.

6. The modular activity system of claim 5, wherein the mesh membrane comprises a plurality of openings configured to detachably receive one or more children's toys and accessories.

7. The modular activity system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs each have an arcuate profile to permit rocking.

8. The modular activity system of claim 1, convertible between a jumper configuration and a sling chair configuration.

9. The modular activity system of claim 1, convertible between a children's jumper configuration and an activity table configuration.

10. The modular activity system of claim 1, wherein the bottom plate comprises an upholstered side and a hard-surface side.

11. The modular activity system of claim 8, wherein the bottom plate is configurable as a baby mat.

12. The modular activity system of claim 8, wherein the bottom plate is configurable as a tabletop in an activity table configuration.

13. The modular activity system of claim 1, wherein the suspension components are removably secured to the bottom plate and the base.

14. The modular activity system of claim 1, wherein the suspension components comprise spring-loaded straps.

15. A modular activity system comprising:

a top insert,

a body frame adapted to receive the top insert,

a bottom plate suspended from the body frame, and

a plurality of suspension components,

wherein the top insert, body frame, bottom plate and plurality of suspension components are reconfigurable between a plurality of configurations, the plurality of configurations comprising a children's jumper configuration, an activity table configuration, a chair configuration, and a play mat configuration.

16. The modular activity system of claim 15, wherein the top insert comprises a seat configured to receive and support a child.

17. The modular activity system of claim 16, wherein the top insert comprises a rigid panel and wherein the seat is embedded in the rigid panel.

18. The modular activity system of claim 16, wherein the top insert comprises an elastic panel and wherein the seat is mounted to the elastic panel.

19. The modular activity system of claim 15, wherein the bottom plate comprises a first upholstered side and a second hard-surface side.

20. The modular activity system of claim 19, wherein the first upholstered side is adapted for laying a baby thereon when the bottom plate is used in the play mat configuration, and wherein the second hard-surface side is adapted for providing a tabletop surface when the bottom plate is used in the activity table configuration.

21. A method of conversion between a plurality of children's accessory configurations of a modular activity system, the method comprising:

providing a modular activity system comprising a top component, a body component, and a bottom component; and

enabling assembly of at least one of the top component, the body component, and the bottom component into a plurality of configurations, said plurality of configurations selected from a jumper configuration, a baby mat configuration, an activity table configuration, and a chair configuration.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of enabling assembly into a plurality of configurations comprises providing instructions for a user to assemble the top component, the base component, and the bottom component into the plurality of configurations.