Abstract: An infant support structure that may be used to pacify and/or entertain an infant is disclosed. In one embodiment, the infant support structure is an infant bouncer. In one embodiment, the infant support structure includes an entertainment device with toy aquarium. The entertainment device is removably coupled to the support structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides support assembly having a resilient support frame having a ground engaging portion and an upper portion. The upper portion is moveable with respect to the ground engaging portion. A suspension assembly is coupled to the upper portion of the support frame such that motion of the upper portion imparts motion to the suspension assembly. In another aspect of the invention, the invention includes a seat supported on a resilient support frame having a ground engaging portion and an upper portion moveable with respect to the ground engaging portion. A mobile is coupled to the upper portion such that motion of the upper portion imparts a corresponding motion to the mobile.

Abstract: A wire maze toy includes an endless wire frame that is of substantially uniform cross-sectional configuration over its entire length and is configured to form multiple curves. A carriage including two slider members is fitted on the wire frame and is slidable along the wire frame. A spring structure has two ends connected to the two slider members respectively. The spring structure and the wire frame are dimensionally related such that tension in the spring structure depends on relative positions of the slider members along the wire frame.

Abstract: A strap device is provided for holding objects held by infants, for preventing the object from falling to the ground if released by the infant. The strap device includes a flexible strap having a first end with a first securing means, a second end with a second securing means, a first attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the first end, and a second attachment means mounted on the flexible strap near the second end. The attachment means each can be releasably secured to a position on the flexible strap, forming a primary loop for securing the flexible strap to the object or to a support structure. The first securing means preferably is an elastic loop, which can attach the object to the strap device regardless of the object's shape and dimensions, while the second securing means attaches to a support near the infant for his use.

Abstract: A mobile having an electronic display is disclosed. The display is preferably a thin, flexible display such as an organic light emitting diode display. The display is coupled to a computing device. The mobile optionally includes sound output, image output, or video output. A camera or sensing device optionally service as the input for a baby monitoring system. In one preferred embodiment, the mobile is interactive, and can respond to various sensed aspects, such as sound, light, or gestures via gesture recognition.

Abstract: A support assembly in a decorative structure includes at least two suspended elements. The support assembly includes a support tube having a hollow interior and opposed end portions. In an embodiment, a pair of selectively removable adjustment are adapted to interlock with a respective end portion of the support tube. A flexible, elongate support element is secured between each of the clips and the respective end portions of the support tube. The elongate support element has two ends, each of the ends being adapted for attachment to a suspended element of the decorative structure. The adjustment clips can be adapted to fit over the end portions of the support tube, which can be constructed as a hollow cylindrical tube. In an illustrated embodiment, the adjustment clips comprise annular cylindrical members having an inner diameter approximately equal to an outer diameter of the support tube. In another embodiment, the elongate support element is secured in slits on the respective ends of the support tube.

Abstract: An activity center is disclosed that includes a first section and a second section. In one embodiment, a removable connection between the first section and the second section enables detection of infant activity by an actuator in the first section to produce sensible output in the second section. In another embodiment, a connection between a first section that includes a support frame capable of supporting an infant enables detection of infant activity by an actuator in one of the sections to produce sensible output in the other section.

Abstract: An infant activity device includes a base, a support member and an upper member. The support member extends from the base to the upper member to support the upper member above the base. An infant activity panel is attachable between the upper member and the base. An infant activity fastener also is attachable to the infant activity device to secure, for example, a toy.

Abstract: A heat retaining stuffed doll assembly for providing a heating device that is attractive, safe, and desirable for use by children. The heat retaining stuffed doll assembly includes a heat retaining material enclosed by a casing member, an outer skin enveloping said casing, the outer skin having an appearance of a predetermined form attractive to children.

Abstract: A toy includes a housing, an output device, an input device, an overlay, and a controller. The housing has a surface and the output device is mounted to the housing. The input device is mounted in a first area on the surface to receive input. The overlay is mounted on the surface to receive input. The overlay moves relative to the surface from a second area to the first area such that the overlay is disengaged from the input device when the overlay is in the second area and the input device is engaged by the overlay when the overlay is in the first area. The controller is connected to the input device and to the output device. The controller controls the output device to perform a first action when the input device receives input and the overlay is in the second area and to perform a second action when the input device receives input and the overlay is in the first area.

Abstract: An apparatus having a support arm, a base coupled to the support arm to maintain the support arm in upright orientation and moveable between a first orientation in which the base is coupleable to a vertical surface, and a second orientation in which the base can rest on a horizontal surface. A light source is coupled to the support arm and a mobile coupled to said support arm, whereby when the base is in the first orientation, the apparatus can be coupled to a crib rail to function as a crib mobile, and when the base is in the second orientation, the apparatus can rest on a horizontal surface to function as a lamp.

Abstract: An activity center is disclosed that includes a first section and a second section. In one embodiment, a removable connection between the first section and the second section enables detection of infant activity by an actuator in the first section to produce sensible output in the second section. In another embodiment, a connection between a first section that includes a support frame capable of supporting an infant enables detection of infant activity by an actuator in one of the sections to produce sensible output in the other section.

Abstract: A convertible activity toy for promoting gross motor development in children includes a base receivable on a supporting surface and a top coupled to the base. The top includes a first portion and a second portion whereby the first portion is movable from a substantially coplanar orientation relative to the second portion to a substantially non-coplanar orientation relative to the second portion. The top and base define an opening and an interior space so that an infant can crawl through the opening into the interior space when the top is in the substantially coplanar orientation or so that the child may walk the opening and into the interior space or a portion thereof when the top is in the substantially non-coplanar orientation. The top includes activity items that are attractive to an infant and encourages the infant to reach up to the top by pulling up from a seated position to a standing position using handles or grips disposed on the toy.

Abstract: A visual stimulation attachment for amusing an infant riding in a child safety seat or child in a vehicle that has headliner includes a visually-stimulating background member and an attachment device (e.g., a micro-hook material) secured to the background member and operable to releasably couple the background member to the headliner of the vehicle. The visual stimulation attachment may have one or more tether lines with a dangling member attached to it. A method of amusing an infant with a visually stimulating attachment and of manufacturing a visually stimulating attachment are also presented.

Abstract: A rolling toy having a tubular assembly with a helical ridge that guides movement of a ball within the tubular assembly when the toy is rolled.

Abstract: A three-dimensional hanging ornament transformed from a flexible sheet printed with various patterns, which includes a body portion and at least one ornamental portion. At least one multiple connecting strip is connected with the body portion at a lower end thereof and connected with the ornamental portion at an upper end thereof. A perforated line is defined around outer edges of the body portion, the ornamental portion and the connecting strip, whereby the ornamental portion and the connecting strip, or the ornamental portion, the connecting strip and the body portion can be separated either partly or wholly from the sheet. When the hanging ornament is hung in various statuses, the ornamental portion is suspended and streamed in the air, in such a way the sheet with patterns is transformed into a three-dimensional hanging ornament.

Abstract: This invention relates to a free standing vertical support having a support used to attach an infant's toy such as a mobile.

Abstract: A multi-function mobile comprising an elongate, flexible support bar defining opposed first and second end portions. Attached to the support bar is a connector mechanism which is moveable between latched and unlatched positions. The first and second end portions of the support bar are maintained in close proximity to each other when the connector mechanism is in its latched position. Releaseably engageable to the first and second end portions of the support bar is a pliable cover member which is used to maintain the support bar in a substantially ring-like configuration. An elongate engagement strap is releaseably engageable to the connector mechanism when the same is moved to its unlatched position. The engagement strap is sized and configured such that when engaged to the connector mechanism, the first and second end portions are drawn toward each other in a manner causing the support bar to assume a substantially arch-like configuration.

Abstract: A child's entertainment device can include a mobile/entertainment member that has a connector structure that can engage a receiving member located on a child support device. The connector structure can be formed as a button-like protuberance that engages the receiving member, which can be formed as a U-shaped aperture. The button-like protuberance is thus lockable in the U-shaped receiving member at a predetermined position while rotatable with the respect to the receiving member. In addition, the entertainment member can be removed from the receiving member by applying a force to it and moving the button-like protuberance past a slightly narrower portion and out of the U-shaped aperture. When the entertainment member is attached to the receiving member, the mobile/entertainment member and attached soft toys can spin and entertain a child. The mobile may be attached to a child support device such as a child's cradle, bassinet, swing, bouncer, or car seat, etc.

Abstract: Mobiles which have an articulated array of arms connected to a central hub and artifacts attached to the outer, distal ends of the arms by strap-type fasteners. The hub can be rotated by a battery-powered or a spring-type motor as selected by a user of the mobile. The hub of the mobile is attached to a vertically extending support having a flexible segment by a ball and joint connector. A clamp at the lower end of the support is employed to fix the support to a suitable and available structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for satisfying the non-nutritive sucking needs of infants, especially medically compromised infants, which includes an infant's pacifier held near one end of a wand-like structure; wherein the wand-like structure is formed on a non-toxic, non-allergenic, elastomeric material which is easily cleaned and will not harbor infectious germs or viruses, and wherein the wand-like structure can take the form of an adorable toy animal such as an otter.

Abstract: A toy device (10) is provided having a housing (11) having a top viewing side (12) and a bottom side (13). The housing (11) has a cavity (15) therein having an annular array of light reflecting surfaces (16). Mounted concentrically within the annular array of light reflecting surfaces is a rotatable sphere (18) having a decorative pattern thereon. The housing cavity (15) has an opening (19) extending from the bottom side (13) sized and shaped to allow a portion of the sphere (18) to extend past the housing bottom side (13).

Abstract: The Drop No More-Baby Toy Belt is an original and newly created item (as described in this application) which will allow parents and child care givers to use on baby to protect baby toys from being thrown on the floor from highchairs and other locations. Babies can retrieve their own toys after they throw them (which they always do). The Baby Toy Belt eliminates frustration of baby, parents, and child-care givers, allowing for a safe solution to keep toys close to the baby where they belong. The Baby Toy Belt allows for multiple items and toys and becomes an extension of a toy in itself. The creative process has produced a highly flexible and useful multiple toy holder (product) and safeguard not found anywhere else.

Abstract: An electronic activity center for infants includes a spring biased kick bar, a cross bar supported above the infant, a plurality of hanging toys suspended from the cross bar, and a rotating “motion” bar with rotating flippers and disks mounted on the cross bar. The kick bar and the hanging toys are connected to an electronic control unit mounted inside the frame of the activity center. The electronic control unit controls output of music and sounds responsive to movement of the kick bar and/or hanging toy. The electronic unit also controls motion the rotating bar responsive to movements of the kick bar and hanging toys. Activation of the music, sounds, and rotating bar responsive to movement of the kick bar and/or hanging toys are believed to encourage kicking of the infant's feet and swinging of the infant's arms and thus aid in the development of motor skills.

Abstract: A rotating musical remote control baby mobile device. The baby mobile device has a base attached to a crib or piece of furniture. The device also includes a music box, an extending arm and rotatable bear attached to the arm. The mobile has several animal figures that can be removed from the mobile using snap hooks or hook and loop fasteners. These individual animal figures can be safely given to an infant or newborn for holding or teething. The baby mobile device can also be controlled by an infrared remote control that can be attached to a piece of furniture or conveniently hung by a foldable handle on a door knob.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a musical adapter for baby bottles 12. The musical adapter 10 is comprised of a housing 20 having a cavity for placing the base of a baby bottle 12 therein. The housing 20 has a rotatable lock ring 22 disposed within a threaded cap 24 for fixedly positioning the musical adapter to the baby bottle 12. The cavity within the musical adapter housing has an insert plate 36 for sealing the housing cavity. The lock ring 22 has a plurality of leaf-like springs 28 thereon. As the lock ring 22 is rotated the leaf-like springs 28 engage the multiple tangs 40 of the threaded cap 24 thereby forcing the leaf-like springs 28 inwardly so as to engage the bottle 12 therein, thereby decreasing the available diameter for the baby bottle 12 therein and crimping the bottle 12 between a plurality of leaf-like spring elements 28. Within the base of the housing 20 is a compartment 30 having a removable insert plate 36.

Abstract: A planar toy element interchangeably attached to other planar toy elements to form an arrangement of elements which may define a planar or three-dimensional object. The planar element may be pliable or soft, may be soft or may have toy items attached thereto or integral therewith.

Abstract: The Baby Mobile is a device with multiple functions that provides fascinating and engaging entertainment in addition to intellectual stimulation for an infant or child. It provides The Mobile provides stimulation and fun at the same time.

Abstract: A noise activated mobile for soothing an infant by turning the mobile on when the infant makes a relatively loud noise. The noise activated mobile includes a housing having a lumen therein. An arm portion is elongate and has a first end and second end. The first end is securely attached to the housing. The arm extends upwardly away from the housing and is arced. A casing is integrally coupled to the second end of the arm portion. The bottom side of the casing has a hole therethrough. A motor is mounted in the casing. A rod is securely attached to the motor and extends through the hole in the casing. The motor is adapted to rotate the rod. A mobile is coupled to a free end of the rod. Control circuitry is fixedly mounted in the housing. The control circuitry is adapted for tracking elapsing time, actuating the motor and sensing relatively loud sounds. The control circuitry is operationally coupled to the motor.

Abstract: A device and method for entertaining a child in an automobile. The device includes a support member comprising two opposite ends with hangers for coupling to respective attachment members on respective opposite interior sides of an automobile. The attachment members may comprise clothes hanger hooks or emergency passenger handles, both typical standard features of automobiles. The device includes one or more suspension elements which couple to the support member, and corresponding toys coupled to each of the suspension elements. Each suspension element may be adjustable in length, thus allowing the height of each suspended toy to be adjusted. The device may be installed in an automobile such that one or more children in child safety seats situated in the back seat of the automobile may be entertained by the suspended toys. The device may be used whether a child is in a forward facing position or a rear facing position.

Abstract: A nursery includes a frame, a bassinet, a swing, a single drive unit and a coupling mechanism. The bassinet, the swing, the drive unit and the coupling assembly are supported by the frame. The coupling assembly is operably coupled to the drive unit and has first and second outputs. The first output is pivotally coupled to the bassinet and the second output is pivotally coupled to the swing. The coupling assembly is configured to transfer the drive unit output to one of the swing and the bassinet such that the one of the swing and the bassinet swing relative to the frame. An apparatus for selectably operating at least two separate features of a toy includes a frame, first and second devices coupled to the frame, a control device, a single drive unit, and a gear assembly. The gear assembly includes a pivoting member, and first and second output assemblies.

Abstract: A rotating musical remote control baby mobile device. The baby mobile device has a base attached to a crib or piece of furniture. The device also includes a music box, an extending arm and rotatable bear attached to the arm. The mobile has several animal figures that can be removed from the mobile using snap hooks or hook and loop fasteners. These individual animal figures can be safely given to an infant or newborn for holding or teething. The baby mobile device can also be controlled by an infrared remote control that can be attached to a piece of furniture or conveniently hung by a foldable handle on a door knob.

Abstract: A child's toy is provided which is convertible between an infant's gym and a toddler's piano. In the infant configuration, a small child can be placed under or seated in front of the toy within reach of hanging shapes. When the infant moves the hanging shapes, a sensory output of music and lights is produced through audio speakers and lighted keys. The infant's gym can be converted into a toddler configuration, which has keys arranged on top, resembling a piano. A toddler standing in front of the piano can produce a sensory output of music and lights by pressing the keys. A mode switch can be adjusted to vary the duration of the sensory output.

Abstract: An interface for an infant toy includes a processor coupled to an activity parameter sensor removably attached to a body portion of the infant as by a wrist cuff. Signals from the sensor are employed to detect an infant's arousal state and activity level. The processor registers a baseline and determines threshold values with respect to the sensed activity parameter and also establishes a threshold value for the sensed parameter with reference to stored values and patterns of the detected parameter for specific age groups. Thereafter, the sensed parameter is compared with the calculated threshold value and if the sensed parameter value exceeds the threshold value, a wireless activation signal is transmitted to actuate a toy. The interface includes both motion and audio sensors and infrared, light or RF transmitters.

Abstract: An infant activity device includes a base, a support member and an upper member. The support member extends from the base to the upper member to support the upper member above the base. An infant activity panel is attachable between the upper member and the base. An infant activity fastener also is attachable to the infant activity device to secure, for example, a toy.

Abstract: A child supporting and amusement apparatus for soothing and entertaining a child by recreating the experience of riding in a car.

Abstract: An apparatus for satisfying the non-nutritive sucking needs of infants, especially medically compromised infants, which includes an infant's pacifier holder near one end of a wand-like structure; wherein the pacifier holder comprises a two-piece tab-flap fastener for holding the pacifier to the wand; wherein the wand-like structure is formed on a non-toxic, non-allergenic, elastomeric material which is easily cleaned and will not harbor infectious germs or viruses, and wherein the wand-like structure can take the form of an adorable toy animal such as an otter.

Abstract: The invention proposes a child's bed including at least one planar bed-framework element arranged perpendicularly to a lying surface. The invention also provides for at least one toy element to be integrated in the bed-framework element in a movable manner by means of guide members.

Abstract: The present pillow case is comprised of a tubular bag with a closed end and an open end. The bag has a predetermined length such that, when a conventional pillow of a predetermined size is fully inserted into the bag against the closed end, a loose extension is provided on the side of the open end. A flat pocket for holding a child's article is attached to the bag near the open end at a position substantially overlapping an adjacent end of the pillow. An opening on the pocket is angled sharply toward the closed end to more directly present the article to the child, and to hold the article more securely. The positioning of the pocket overlapping the edge of the pillow causes it to be raised by the pillow to about the top plane of the pillow case, and thus places the article within sight of the child for providing enjoyment and companionship.

Abstract: A kit for installation across a rear seat of a vehicle that suspends objects such as toys, rattles, etc. in easy reach of a child seated on the seat of the vehicle. More particularly, the kit includes a suspension line and a series of hanger lines along with a pouch for holding objects. The suspension line is flexible in nature and includes opposed end portions that are adapted to be secured to supports disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle above the rear seat. In addition, the respective hanger lines includes hook and loop fasteners formed on one end that permit the hanger lines to be looped and secured around the suspension line and wherein the hanger lines can even slide laterally back and forth on the suspension line. When suspended, each hanger line includes a lower terminal end portion that also includes hook and loop fasteners that permit the respective hanger lines to be secured to objects such as toys, rattles, etc.

Abstract: A child's toy is provided which is convertible between an infant's gym and a toddler's piano. In the infant configuration, a small child can be placed under or seated in front of the toy within reach of hanging shapes. When the infant moves the hanging shapes, a sensory output of music and lights is produced through audio speakers and lighted keys. The infant's gym can be converted into a toddler configuration, which has keys arranged on top, resembling a piano. A toddler standing in front of the piano can produce a sensory output of music and lights by pressing the keys. A mode switch can be adjusted to vary the duration of the sensory output.

Abstract: An electronic activity center for infants includes a spring biased kick bar, a cross bar supported above the infant, a plurality of hanging toys suspended from the cross bar, and a rotating “motion” bar with rotating flippers and disks mounted on the cross bar. The kick bar and the hanging toys are connected to an electronic control unit mounted inside the frame of the activity center. The electronic control unit controls output of music and sounds responsive to movement of the kick bar and/or hanging toy. The electronic unit also controls motion the rotating bar responsive to movements of the kick bar and hanging toys. Activation of the music, sounds and rotating bar responsive to movement of the kick bar and/or hanging toys are believed to encourage kicking of the infant's feet and swinging of the infant's arms and thus aid in the development of motor skills.

Abstract: A suspended display arrangement (10) used in conjunction with the seat (100) of a vehicle for amusing infants and young children. The arrangement (10) includes a generally inverted U-shaped housing member (20) having a generally opaque rear housing panel provided with a background image (24) connected by a flexible hinge element (22) to a generally transparent front housing panel (23) provided with foreground images (25), and a plurality of free swinging display units (12) disposed intermediate the front (23) and rear (21) housing panels so that the movement of a vehicle will cause the display units (12) to sway back and forth within the housing member (20).

Abstract: A children's activity and entertainment enclosure includes a housing a plurality of legs attached to the housing to support the housing at a selected elevation above a support surface and a flexible sheet material covering the housing and at least upper portions of the legs. A plurality of activity stations are present within the enclosure as are a seat for seating a child and a suspension mechanism for suspending the seat from the housing so that a child sitting in the seat with feet engaging the support surface can maneuver within the enclosure from one activity station to another.

Abstract: A infant amusement device for providing amusement and entertainment to an infant by sequentially illuminating a series of multi-colored light sources. The infant amusement device includes an elongate housing designed for mounting to a carry handle of an infant carrier. The housing has a plurality of spaced apart light sources therein. A sequence controller is disposed in the housing and is electrically connected to each of the light sources. The sequence controller illuminates the light sources in a sequential series.

Abstract: A toy apparatus includes a back housing portion which includes straps for connecting the apparatus to a crib. A plurality of item pressing members are connected to an interior portion of the back housing portion. A front housing portion includes a housing connector for connecting the front housing portion to the back housing portion. The front housing portion includes a plurality of item retainers and a plurality of windows placed in registration with the item retainers. A plurality of infant stimulus items are retained in the item retainers. The item retainers are placed in registration with the item pressing members when the front housing portion and the back housing portion are placed in a closed orientation. A housing lock assembly is connected between the back housing portion and the front housing portion, for keeping the back housing portion and the front housing portion closed with respect to each other.

Abstract: A remotely-controlled crib toy generates audio and/or video sensible output in response to user commands received by a remote control system. The nature and duration of the sensible output can be selected by the user. The sensible output is selected to be soothing to an infant.

Abstract: An amusement center for rear facing child seats consisting of a soft flexible display structure, a way of supporting the soft, flexible display structure, at least one entertainment item, and a way for attaching the entertainment item to the display structure. The amusement center provides intellectual and visual stimulation for infants ages birth to nine months. The display structure consists of a plurality of panels, each panel having a toy or similar entertainment item attached thereto. The display structure is made from cloth, vinyl, padded foam, or other flexible material to prevent trauma to the infant in case of an accident. The display structure is supported by clips or straps which hang over the back of a vehicle seat. The display structure may be supported by VELCRO.RTM. attachments to the vehicle seat. The attachable items may consist of photos or pictures, soft dolls or animals, or music boxes. The attachable items are attached to the display structure by way of snaps, magnets, VELCRO.RTM.

Abstract: A child play station system is provided including a frame having a cross bar and a pair of legs each being bifurcated into a pair of vertical portions which each terminate in a foot which defines a slot adapted for receiving a rail of a crib. At least one toy is coupled to the frame. In use, the frame is adapted for being supported by the legs on a flat recipient surface.

Abstract: A new toy attachment for child's playpen for attaching to a playpen to provide entertainment for a child. The inventive device includes a pair of side rails securable to an upper end of the opposed side walls of the playpen. Forward and rearward sections each have a pair of horizontal narrow rods secured therein. The narrow rods each have a plurality of beads and blocks slidably disposed thereon. A back rail extends between the back bars of the pair of side rails. The back rail is securable to an upper end of the rear wall of the playpen.