Seat Rotatable About Vertical Axis Patents (Class 297/137)
  • Patent number: 10791847
    Abstract: A baby walker comprises sensors and control mechanisms to detect dangerous situations and to stop or substantially slow the baby walker. The baby walker uses proximity sensors, position sensors, presence sensors, and/or communication modules in order to assess the environment for the safety of the child. It also includes a controller that can apply a brake to the wheel assembly to stop or substantially slow the baby walker so as to protect the baby from entering dangerous regions or come in close proximity to objects. The baby walker may further receive and/or transmit information from an external device which may be operated by the child's guardian to define the borders of dangerous regions or a predefined travel distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Mohammad Baharmand
  • Patent number: 9339120
    Abstract: A bodily support assembly for securely holding an infant in a play station includes the play station structured to contain the infant. A first support is structured to be positioned within the play station. A second support is structured to be positioned around the infant. The second support is positioned within the first support. The infant is securely held within the play station. A head rest is structured to prevent backwards tipping of the infant's head while the infant is positioned within the play station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Miriam Speer
  • Patent number: 8641144
    Abstract: A bi-plate ball bearing is configured for horizontally mounting between a base and a chair. The ball bearing has an upper plate and a lower plate defining a ball bearing race and a tension member holding the plates together disposed through a central rotational axis of the bi-plate ball bearing. The tension member may be configured as a threaded metal tube fixed to a first one of the upper plate and the lower plate and held to a second one of the upper plate and the lower plate by a nut. The threaded metal tube defines a passage through the central rotational axis of the bi-plate ball bearing through which power and control wiring may pass. The bearing may provide a cost-effective swivel bearing for chair that includes powered electronics, for which it is desired to pass wiring from the swiveling chair into a chair base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Wendell R. Davis, Jr., Dale Robert Lundeen, Kay Daniel Vetter
  • Patent number: 8371629
    Abstract: The tank handle has an upper section, a central section, and a lower section, oriented in a common plane and integrally formed. The upper section has an aperture which thereby forms a grip for lifting, and the lower section has an aperture for coupling to a tank gas passageway. The handle is rotatably coupled to the gas passageway of a gas tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Christopher W Bibow Irrevocable Trust
    Inventor: Christopher W. Bibow
  • Patent number: 8303033
    Abstract: An infant support structure includes a frame member defining a central area, a seat disposed in the central area and coupled to the frame member, and a leg member pivotally coupled to the frame member and movable between a deployed position extending outwardly from the frame member and a folded position adjacent the frame member. A support member has a first end movably coupled to the frame member and an opposite second end pivotally and slidably coupled to the leg member. The second end is slidable along the leg member as the leg member is moved between the deployed position and the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Lundeen
  • Patent number: 7510238
    Abstract: An interactive entertainer having a lower tray with a plurality of compressible legs supporting an upper tray. The lower tray is concave to permit rocking of the tray when placed on a flat surface. One or more supports coupled to the lower tray may be repositioned to inhibit rocking of the lower tray. The legs can fold into the lower tray following separation of the upper tray. The lower tray can then nest within the upper tray to provide compact storage. The upper tray can support a seat that is selectively rotatable or stationary based on a position of a seat lock. A plurality of interactive devices may be positioned on the upper tray. One or more sensors may be positioned relative to the seat to detect the orientation of the seat relative to the devices. The devices may be selectively enabled based on the seat orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christa McClintock, Kathleen Campisano, Stephanie Elias, Kim Voskuil, Stuart Kurdi, Michael Perkins, Michael C. Dorsey, Andrew B. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 7507162
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a children's exercise and activity apparatus. The apparatus includes an activity table, a seat, a connecting beam for connecting the seat to the activity table, and one or more legs connected to and depending downwardly from the seat to the floor to support the seat and prevent the seat from tipping over when a child is supported therein. The seat has a pair of leg openings that allow the child to touch the floor with its legs, and the connecting beam is rotatably connected to the activity table so that the child in the seat can travel in an orbital path around the activity table. In addition, the angular rotation of the seat may be limited to prevent the child from rotating the seat to a point at which the child could walk along the floor and move the apparatus along with the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Jackson, Jeffrey S. Tadin, Stephen R. Burns, Jacob M. Sclare, James E. Cartabiano
  • Publication number: 20080237409
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a manual bag carrier created to avoid the discomfort and the unpleasant feeling that occur to the hands due to the pressure that bag handles cause when 1 or more bags contain something. It has also been designed with the intention of avoiding spills by keeping the handles inside the bag carrier while the bags are not being carried. Designed primarily for, but not limited to, the kind of bags—whether they are bags made with handles of plastic, fabric, paper, or another material—that supermarkets, department stores, malls, and stores in general give to their customers to transport the acquired products. This bag carrier has been perfected to help carry and transport comfortably one or more bags. This product is not limited exclusively to carry bag handles, it can also be used to carry other products with handles or something similar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Alan R. Scali, Margarita Gomez
  • Patent number: 7247100
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a children's exercise and activity apparatus for providing cognitive development activities for small children and exercise functionality. The apparatus includes an activity table adapted for receiving one or more children's activity items, a seat for supporting a child above the floor, a connecting beam for connecting the seat to the activity table, and one or more legs connected to and depending downwardly from the seat to the floor to support the seat and prevent the seat from tipping over when a child is supported therein. The seat has a pair of leg openings that allow the child to touch the floor with its legs, and the connecting beam is rotatably connected to the activity table so that the child in the seat can travel in an orbital path around the activity table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Jackson, Jeffrey S. Tadin, Stephen R. Burns, Jacob M. Sclare, James E. Cartabiano
  • Patent number: 7032966
    Abstract: A high chair for feeding a child is disclosed. The high chair includes a base and a chair sized to support a child. The chair is supported on the base at a height suitable for feeding a child. The chair is rotatable relative to the base about a substantially vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Kolcraft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Jonathan Myers
  • Patent number: 7025364
    Abstract: A stroller has a pivotable seat which may be latched at any rotational angle desired. In addition, a support tray positioned beneath the seat can be folded into a stored position and the height of the support platform adjusted to accommodate the height of the baby occupying the seat, which permits the stroller to be used as a walker and as a play station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: William A Clarke
  • Patent number: 6637814
    Abstract: A convertible activity center has a tray that can be locked in a closed loop position with an attached seat to contain an infant and unlocked with the seat removed to an open position, creating a play space from which a toddler can enter and exit at will, or interact with it from the outside. The activity center can also have convertible toys. The same toys that an infant can enjoy can be converted to toys suitable for an older infant or toddler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Bellows, Paul B. Nelson, Julie M. Benson
  • Publication number: 20030071496
    Abstract: A convertible activity center has a tray that can be locked in a closed loop position with an attached seat to contain an infant and unlocked with the seat removed to an open position, creating a play space from which a toddler can enter and exit at will, or interact with it from the outside. The activity center can also have convertible toys. The same toys that an infant can enjoy can be converted to toys suitable for an older infant or toddler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Bellows, Paul B. Nelson, Julie M. Benson
  • Publication number: 20030071495
    Abstract: A convertible activity center has a tray that can be locked in a closed loop position with an attached seat to contain an infant and unlocked with the seat removed to an open position, creating a play space from which a toddler can enter and exit at will, or interact with it from the outside. The activity center can also have convertible toys. The same toys that an infant can enjoy can be converted to toys suitable for an older infant or toddler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Bellows, Paul B. Nelson, Julie M. Benson
  • Patent number: 6375599
    Abstract: An infant exerciser includes a base plate, a turntable rotatably coupled to the base plate, and a mounting plate removably coupled to the turntable. A chair support assembly is coupled to the mounting plate. The chair support assembly receives a chair to couple the chair to the mounting plate. A foot actuating assembly is coupled to the mounting plate and is positioned adjacent the chair support assembly. The foot actuating assembly has a platform member for being actuated by feet of the infant when the infant is seated in the chair. A drive assembly is coupled to the mounting plate such that the foot actuating assembly is positioned between the chair support assembly and the drive assembly. The drive assembly is actuatable by the platform member and engages the base plate such that actuation of the drive assembly rotates the turntable with respect to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: William K. Brown
  • Publication number: 20020043824
    Abstract: A convertible activity center has a tray that can be locked in a closed loop position with an attached seat to contain an infant and unlocked with the seat removed to an open position, creating a play space from which a toddler can enter and exit at will, or interact with it from the outside. The activity center can also have convertible toys. The same toys that an infant can enjoy can be converted to toys suitable for an older infant or toddler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: William B. Bellows, Paul B. Nelson, Julie M. Benson
  • Publication number: 20020043825
    Abstract: A convertible activity center has a tray that can be locked in a closed loop position with an attached seat to contain an infant and unlocked with the seat removed to an open position, creating a play space from which a toddler can enter and exit at will, or interact with it from the outside. The activity center can also have convertible toys. The same toys that an infant can enjoy can be converted to toys suitable for an older infant or toddler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: William B. Bellows, Paul B. Nelson, Julie M. Benson
  • Patent number: 6299247
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having an upper support and a lower support, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base, preferably with radial ribs, is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, John C. Riedl
  • Patent number: 6179376
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having a rigid upper support and a lower support therebeneath and a circular bearing surface therebetween, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening in a circular configuration for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base, preferably with radial ribs, is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, Steve Courtney
  • Patent number: 6048290
    Abstract: A baby walker includes a lower support column swivelably mounted on a base, a curved support bar including a mediate portion secured to the lower support column, two wheels each rotatably mounted on a respective end portion of the curved bar, an upper support column adjustably secured to the lower support column, a top shelf secured to the upper end portion of the upper support column and containing a through hole in the mediate portion thereof, and a seat assembly swivelably mounted in the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventors: Er-Jui Chen, Pai-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 5700201
    Abstract: An improved child entertainment device includes a base, supporting legs, and a child support structure. The support legs include a rigid section and a flexible section, the flexible section being located proximate to the base to maximize the up and down and side to side range of motion available to the child. The entertainment achieved by the child is therefore increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: William Bellows, Paul Nelson, Mark Messner
  • Patent number: 5584531
    Abstract: A face to face play area including a base portion that has a plurality of cylindrical members. The cylindrical members are positionable adjacent a corner of the base portion. Included is a top portion that has an upper side, an underside and a pair of circular openings. The upper side has a rectangular play area that is spaced between the circular openings. The underside has a plurality of cylindrical slots, with each slot capable of receiving one of the cylindrical members of the base portion. Each circular opening forms a peripheral ledge along the underside of the top portion. Each ledge has at least four pegs projecting. Lastly, included are a pair of seat members, with each seat member has a pair of elongated straps. Each strap pair has a disc-shaped cushion positioned within. Each strap has a pair of supporting ends with a pair of keyholes. Each keyhole couples with at least one of the pegs of one of the circular openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Judy Bowman
  • Patent number: 5480210
    Abstract: A baby chair has an upper section to which a sling seat hangs and a lower base section to which legs are mounted in a tripod like construction, the upper section being able to rotate with respect to the lower base section and attached legs. The chair does not have wheels and thus while a child in the seat can spin himself (or herself) around to look in any direction, the child cannot move anywhere and since the legs are constructed to be angled out widely, there is no chance of the chair flipping over. A circular tray mounted around the perimeter of the upper section of the chair can be used to hold food and/or toys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventors: Therese T. Lehenbauer, Steven C. Lehenbauer
  • Patent number: 5451093
    Abstract: An infant seat unit includes a seat or harness disposed on a table, the table being resiliently mounted on a base unit at spaced circumferential intervals displaced away from the seat itself so that the seat and table are free to bounce up and down with respect to the base, and the seat also can be made to be rotatable with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Item New Product Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Aiden J. Petrie, John G. Matthews, Stephen E. Lane
  • Patent number: 5407246
    Abstract: A seat for receipt of a child capable of providing exercise and entertainment comprising a seat having a rigid upper support and a lower support therebeneath and a circular bearing surface therebetween, the lower support having leg openings for passage of the legs of a child supported therein. An upper supporting tray has a radially interior opening in a circular configuration for receiving and supporting the seat, the upper supporting tray having a radially exterior periphery with projections extending downwardly therefrom. A bowl-shaped base is provided, the upper periphery of the base having spaced upstanding towers with openings depending from the upper ends thereof. Upstanding posts are also provided, each post having a lower end received within the upper end of a tower, each post having an upper end with a recess for receiving a downwardly depending projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Lisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Meeker, William R. Gibson, John C. Riedl
  • Patent number: 4743008
    Abstract: An infant exerciser includes a frame adapted for stationary placement on a floor or other support surface and a seat and treadmill assembly revolvably mounted on the frame. The treadmill is suspended beneath the seat so that an infant supported in the seat can exercise its legs by walking on the treadmill without moving the frame. By revolving the seat and treadmill assembly, an infant can change his or her field of view and interact with the surrounding environoment, while simultaneously practicing to walk or othewise exercising through the use of the treadmill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Inventors: Daniel R. Fermaglich, Lois F. Fermaglich
  • Patent number: 4248477
    Abstract: A furniture construction comprised of a unitary base, supports, attached at their lower ends to the base, rising upwardly and outwardly from the base, and individual work surfaces attached to the upper ends of the supports. A peripheral area of free space is defined outside and beneath the supports and individual work surfaces which allows chairs to be positioned beneath the work surfaces without contacting the inclined supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Inventor: Elbert Netters