US20060052172A1 - Juvenile furniture electronic amusement device - Google Patents
Juvenile furniture electronic amusement device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060052172A1 US20060052172A1 US11/211,949 US21194905A US2006052172A1 US 20060052172 A1 US20060052172 A1 US 20060052172A1 US 21194905 A US21194905 A US 21194905A US 2006052172 A1 US2006052172 A1 US 2006052172A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- amusement
- control unit
- floor
- play yard
- lights
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/006—Infant exercisers, e.g. for attachment to a crib
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Pediatric Medicine (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/604,231 filed on Aug. 25, 2004, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.
- The invention generally relates to electronic amusement devices; it more particularly relates to electronic amusement devices adapted for use with juvenile furniture; and most particularly relates to motion activated electronic amusement devices adapted for use with juvenile furniture.
- Keeping a small child engaged and amused can be challenging, but it is even more challenging when the child is restrained within the confines of juvenile furniture, such as a swing, car seat, or a crib. However, there are times when a child should be at rest in the same furniture intended to restrain the child at another time. There is in a need for providing a source of child amusement that is selectively operational.
- The present invention is characterized by comprising apparatus for stimulating the infant during play periods as well as selectively soothing the infant occupying the juvenile furniture during periods of rest as well as inducing restfulness. The devices are interactive in that motion detection devices are provided to activate the amusement activities responsive to detection of the infant's motion.
- Lights, music and motion of attractive and decorative objects are provided. The on/off operation and selection of the activities are controlled by a manually operable control panel preferably forming a part of the juvenile furniture. The components providing the amusement and other activities are preferably arranged within a housing which is removably mounted to the juvenile furniture to facilitate the provision of a collapsible furniture design which significantly contributes to compactness and portability. The juvenile furniture, in one preferred embodiment, comprises a portable play yard capable of being selectively arranged in one of a play mode in which a bottom floor is utilized to support the infant and a nap mode in which an upper supporting surface (i.e. bassinet) is mounted within the play yard to provide a nap mode enclosure. The embodiment, having both a play and nap mode capability is preferably provided with either a single motion sensor having a range for detecting motion at either the bassinet (upper) level or the floor (lower) level, or alternatively may be provided with a receiver arranged above the play yard for detecting motion from transmitters respectively provided at the bassinet level and lower or floor level.
- An amusement bar, in one embodiment, activates a micro-switch provided within an opening for receiving a support rod of the amusement bar to selectively control the micro-switch to turn off the “kick mat” amusement activities when the amusement bar is detached from the juvenile furniture and to turn on the “kick bar” amusement activities when the amusement bar is attached to the juvenile furniture. As an alternative, the amusement bar support rod may be provided with electrical contacts which cooperate with electrical contacts in the opening receiving the support rod to provide electrical connections between the control panel and the amusement bar.
- The bassinet structure is detachably mounted to the play yard. The upper and lower floors are preferably each provided with a vibrating device having a timer capability, the rate of vibration being changeable as a function of the operating mode. For example, in the play mode, the amusement bar provides flashing lights and active music, while the vibrating device provides more robust vibration, while in the nap mode, the amusement device provides gradually fading lights and lullaby music, while the vibrator provides more soothing vibrations which preferably gradually fade away.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a amusement device associated with a portable play yard. -
FIG. 1A is a bottom view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 showing the play yard fully erected. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic elevation and top plan views of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2C is a sectional view of the electrical coupling between the amusement bar and control unit ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the amusement device associated with a portable play yard. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic elevation and top plan views of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4C is a schematic view showing the electrical coupling between the control unit and mobile arm ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4D is a bottom plan view of a floor unit used in the embodiment ofFIG. 3 . -
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a third embodiment of the amusement device associated with a portable play yard and employing an interactive sensor. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic elevation and top plan views of the embodiment ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 6C is a schematic view of the electrical coupling between the control unit and mobile arm ofFIG. 5 . -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are elevation and top plan views of a fourth embodiment of the amusement device associated with a portable play yard (also illustrating a play mat). -
FIG. 7C is a schematic view of a play mat usable without a play yard. -
FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic elevation and top plan views of a fifth embodiment of the amusement device associated with a portable play yard. -
FIGS. 9A and 9D through 9G are perspective views of a corner structure of the play yard configured for containing controls for the amusement device. -
FIG. 9B is an elevational view showing a portion of the mobile arm ofFIG. 3 , for example, and is useful for explaining the releaseable mechanical/electrical coupling between the mobile arm and the control unit. -
FIG. 9C shows a cover unit for covering the receptacle in the control unit for receiving the amusement bar/arm when the amusement bar/arm is removed from the receptacle. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the system electronics for the amusement device. - The electronic amusement devices disclosed herein provide features such as motion detection that is activated by the infant, a night light that may fade to allow sleep, music with selection of the music as well as volume control, timed gentle or robust vibration, nap and play modes, twinkling lights and mobile activation are shown in the Figures for use with various items of juvenile furniture. Although the amusement devices described herein are described as either stand-alone or for use with a collapsible play yard, the amusement devices may also be configured to be mounted on a crib, a child's bed, a car seat, a chair, a highchair, a bouncy seat, a stroller, a swing, activity centers (such as jumpers), walkers, and other child care items. There is also provided a stand-alone gym.
-
FIG. 1 shows a portable, combined play yard and bassinet provided with anelectronic amusement bar 50. Theplay yard assembly 10 is comprised of four upright corner members, 12, 14, 16 and 18. The lower ends ofmembers stationary legs uprights wheel assembly 20 shown inFIG. 1 and provided with afree wheeling wheel 20 a and a locking mechanism having anoperating member 20 b which, in the upper position permitswheel 20 a to freely rotate about a horizontal central axis and forlocking wheel 20 a when in the down position, as is conventional. It should be understood that the wheel coupled to upright 18 functions in substantially the same manner. -
Play yard assembly 10 has a substantially X-shaped support assembly shownFIG. 1A and comprised of four (4)arms uprights 12 through 18, respectively. Alatch mechanism 19 is pivotally coupled to the inner ends of the arms arranged in the aforesaid x-shaped configuration and is provided with a selectively lockable locking mechanism for locking theplay yard apparatus 10 in the fully assembled position shown inFIG. 1 and having a releasing mechanism for releasing the latching mechanism and enabling the X-shaped support members to be pulled upwardly to collapse the portable play yard and bring theuprights leg 21 cooperates withlegs wheels 20 a, 18 a to maintain the cross pieces at a constant height when placed upon a flat, horizontal surface. The flexible enclosure is preferably a rugged fabric or textile-like webbing. - The upper side rails 22, 24, 26 and 28 have latchable, collapsible locking mechanisms at their
central portions 22 a through 28 a, respectively, enabling these members to be folded in half about their centrally located latching mechanisms to facilitate the provision of a collapsible portable play yard which is highly compact in its collapsed state. - The mechanism which may be employed to provide the collapsible capability of
play yard apparatus 10 may be of the type described in pending application Ser. No. 10/918,893 filed Aug. 16, 2004 (SIM2-PT013.1) and the description therein is incorporated herein by reference thereto. The X-shaped support members serve as the supporting structure for thelower floor 40 which supports a floor F (FIG. 4D ) comprising a plurality of rigid, fabric covered panels, adjacent sides of which are hingedly joined to one another to serve as a substantially rigid floor when opened and also capable of being folded into a substantially rectangular shape to serve as an outer housing for the collapsed play yard, to facilitate handling and transportation. - The upper (i.e., bassinet)
floor 30 is supported by a plurality ofelongated straps 32 joined at their upper ends to a pair ofmembers collapsible support arm like sides vertical posts mesh side 38, it is joined at its lower end toflexible strip 11, at its upper end to strip 28 and at its left and right hand ends to the strips SF, which are provided with “pockets” for receiving the corner posts 12, 14, as is conventional. Themesh side walls - The
electronic amusement bar 50 is an arcuate-shapedbar having rods Rod 50 b is removably mountable within an opening incontrol panel 60, which is arranged at one corner of the play yard and rests uponupright 14 and snap-fits over the adjacent ends ofarms Rod 50 a has a flexible C-shapedclip 50 d which is snap-fitted ontorail 26. - Protective coverings, such as
lenses 50 c are arranged along spaced intervals of arcuate-shapedmember 50.Amusement bar 50 is preferably covered with a soft cloth or fabric. Decorative and aesthetically pleasing members are suspended frombar 50, such as, for example, the star-shapedmembers 52. Thecontrol panel 60 is provided with an array ofcontrol buttons 62 to be more fully described. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show elevational and top plan views ofplay yard assembly 10 in schematic fashion andFIG. 2C is a sectional view showing the manner in which therod 50 b ofFIG. 1 is releaseably mounted to thecontrol panel 60.Rod 50 b is provided with a plurality ofelectrical contacts 50 b-1 which are configured to cooperate with a plurality ofelectrical contacts 54 b provided along the wall of anopening 54 for receivingrod 50 b. Whenrod 50 b is properly seated within opening 54 so that itslower end 50 b-2 engages the bottom 54 c of opening 54,contacts 50 b-1 are in proper alignment and engagement with the cooperatingcontacts 54 b.Rod 50 b andopening 54 are preferably of a non-round shape to facilitate proper alignment of thecontract arrays 50 b-1 and 54 b. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 through 2 C, thecontrol unit 60 is provided with operating buttons to respectively operate the amusement device in a play mode in which the lights behindlenses 50 c flash and a suitable active musical sound is generated. When operating in the nap mode, the lights behindlenses 50 c fade from on to off and a lullaby music selection is played. Another operating button provides off/on operation of a night light. Opposite edges of a slidingcover 55 are held between a pair of grooves (not shown) incontrol unit 60 to coveropening 54 when the amusement bar is not being used. It should be understood that the lights and sound generating system withincontrol unit 60 may be operated independently ofamusement bar 50. -
FIG. 3 shows anotherembodiment 10′ of the present invention in which like elements have been designated by like numerals. The major distinction of theembodiment 10′ resides in the fact that the curvedelectronic amusement bar 50 ofFIGS. 1-2C is replaced by electronicmobile arm 50′ having a lower end slidably inserted into an opening in the housing forming part of thecontrol unit 60′. The upper end ofarm 50′ supports and rotates a mobile 70 having a plurality of decorative and aestheticallypleasing objects 71, each suspended from one of thearms 72. The control panel control buttons selectively provide music (incontrol unit 60′) and flashing lights (inmobile arm 50′) provided during a play period as well as the rotation of themobile arms 72 and softer music and lighting which fades to dark during the nap or rest mode.FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively show schematic side elevational and top plan views of theembodiment 10′,FIG. 4C showing the manner in which the removablemobile arm 50′ is inserted into opening 54′ whereby theportion 50 b′, when properly seated with anopening 54′ has its electrical contacts aligned with and respectively electrically engaging associatedelectrical contacts 54b′ arranged with anopening 54′. Themobile arm 50′ is designed to pivot over a ninety degree range as shown inFIG. 4B . - The rigid floor F is selectively placed upon either the bassinet or play yard floors. The floor F, shown in
FIG. 4D , is comprised of four (4) substantially rigid panels covered with a suitable fabric and hingedly connected along sew lines 51-53.FIG. 4D shows the bottom of the floor. Floor F has four (4) pockets P1-P4 which receive a pair of rigid tubes T1, T2 to rigidify the floor F. If desired, the tubes T1, T2 may each be a pair of tubes telescoped together to make one long tube, the telescoping tubes facilitating their insertion into the pockets P1-P4. - A battery operated vibration V is releasably secured by Velcro straps Vs to the underside of floor F. A control panel Vc provides on/off, hard/soft vibration and timing control. The vibration and timing control may be of the type described in copending application Ser. No. 10/752,171 filed Jan. 6, 2004 (SIM2-PT005).
- The
embodiment 10′ further distinguishes from theembodiment 10 ofFIG. 1 in that it includes a portable changing table 80 comprised of a curvedconvex support 80 a and tworigid side walls upper rails 22′, 26′ which table may be used as a changing table and simply be lifted off when not in use. Also,embodiment 10′ has a storage pocket PS along one sidewall. - The
embodiment 10″ ofFIG. 5 distinguishes from theembodiment 10′ ofFIG. 3 in that a motion sensor is provided. The other elements ofembodiment 10″ are substantially identical to those shown inFIG. 3 except that theembodiment 10″ is provided with an interactive motion sensor.Embodiment 10″ is also further provided with a changing table TC which may be supported upon side rails 22″ and 26″ and is easily disassembled to facilitate packing for travel. Side pocket PS provides end panel storage. Making reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B respectively showing schematic side elevation and top plan views of the embodiment of 10″, theelectronic control 60″ is provided with amotion sensor 62 having an operating range defined bydotted lines embodiment 10″ are substantially the same as the electronic features in theembodiment 10′ shown inFIG. 3 . The manner in which therod 50 b″ is arranged with anopening 54″ and has itscontacts 50 c″ aligned with and in electrical contact with cooperatingcontacts 54 b″ anopening 54′ is substantially identical to that shown inFIG. 4C , the difference being that the motion sensor causes the mobile lights and music to be activated when in the play mode while providing softer music and fading lights and deactivating the mobile when no motion is sensed. - As was set forth here and above, the
opening 54″ may be sealed by slidingdoor 55 to prevent ingress intoopening 54″ when the mobile arm is not being used. -
FIGS. 7A and 7B show still anotherplay yard embodiment 10′″ having a supportingstructure 90 comprised of four (4)curved members 90 a through 90 d arranged in an X-shaped pattern as shown inFIG. 7B for supporting a battery-operatedwireless receiver 92 which may, for example, be an infrared (IR) receiver coupled to a battery-operated integrated circuit provided inhousing 94. The integrated circuit withinhousing 94 is electrically connected to thecontrol unit 60′″ through 90 b. A wireless transmitter such as an infrared (IR)transmitter 96 is provided at one corner of the floor F, which may be placed either on thebassinet floor 30′″ or theplay yard floor 40′″. When the transmitted infrared signal detects motion of the infant (due to interruption of the IR signal), this causes thecontrol unit 60′″ to select the operating mode to provide flashing lights which may be provided along one or more of themembers 90 a through 90 d as well as controlling the type of music which is produced, soft music being produced during a sleep or rest mode and more lively music being produced during a play mode. It should be understood that only one of thearms 90 b is coupled to controlunit 60′″, the outer ends of the remainingarms FIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7C shows an optional play mat embodiment which may be erected from the floor F andcurved support members 90 a-90 d taken from the embodiment ofFIGS. 7A, 7B , wherein theunit 90 has itsarms 90 a through 90 d are arranged adjacent to or, if desired, joined to the four corners of floor mat F.An IR transmitter 96 cooperates withIR receiver 92 to selectively initiate either the rest or sleep mode or the play mode controlled by detection of movement of the infant. Theunit 94′ is modified in that a control unit is integrated intohousing 94′. The floor F may be of the type described and shown inFIG. 4D and may include a vibration unit V. When theunit 90 is disconnected from the play yard for use in the arrangement ofFIG. 7C , thecontrol unit 60′″ is provided with a microswitch to prevent the music and lights from being generated by thecontrol unit 60′″. -
FIGS. 8A and 8B show anembodiment 10″″ which is modified from theembodiment 10′″ shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B and comprising a supportingunit 90 which is substantially identical in design and function to theassembly 90 shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B , the distinction being the provision of amotion sensor 62 incorporated in thecontrol unit 60″″ in a manner similar to that shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B . The supportsmembers 90 a-90 d support a motorized mobile unit provided withlights 98 a and a mobile 70 substantially identical in design and function to the mobile 70 shown inFIG. 3 .Control unit 60′″ is provided with an on/off button for the lights and includes an on/off button for rotating the motorized mobile 70. Themotion sensor 62 has a detection range which falls with the dottedline -
FIGS. 9A and 9D through 9G show detailed perspective views of a preferred embodiment of thecontrol unit 60, which has atop surface 110 provided with acircular operating button 112 slidable within anelongated slot 110 a between the solid line position, hereinafter referred to as a play position and a dottedline position 112′ hereinafter designated as the nap position. Anadditional cluster 114 of operating controls is arranged within a circular recess and is comprised of anoperating button 116 for turning the music on or off and a “plus”button 118 and a “minus”button 120 for controlling the volume at which the music is played. A push-button 122 turns the motion sensor on and off. Pressing push-button 122 down turns the motion sensor on and pressing push-button 122 down a second time turns the motion sensor off. AnLED 122 a is provided at the center ofpush button 122 and, when the motion sensor is turned on,LED 122 a blinks for 20 seconds during start-up and then remains constantly lit. An on/offswitch 124 is slidably mounted within anelongated slot 110 b intop surface 110 and is movable between a solid line position indicating that the unit is on and a dottedline position 124′ which indicates that the unit is turned off. -
Top surface 110 is further provided with a receivingslot 110c having afemale type receptacle 126 mounted therein. Amovable locking projection 128 extends upwardly from the floor ofrecess 110 c and is configured to fit within a recess provided along the bottom surface of themobile arm 50′, the lower portion thereof being shown in greater detail inFIG. 9B and comprising themobile arm 50′ having alower coupling portion 50 a′ rotatably mounted to themain body 50′, enabling rotation through the aforementioned 90° angle as was described above. The bottom end of end portion 58′ has aprojection 132 extending downwardly there from and provided with a pair ofshoulders projection 132. The bottomcurved surface 132 c has arecess 132 d which receivesprojection 128 when thebottom portion 132 of themobile arm 50′ is slidably inserted into the receivingrecess 110 c. The maleelectrical coupling 134 is inserted into the cooperating femaleelectrical coupling 126 arranged at the rear ofrecess 110 c. In order to remove theprojection 132 from recess 126 a finger-operatedlever member 130 is pressed downwardly, removingprojection 128 fromrecess 132 d, thereby enabling themobile arm unit 50′ to be removed from therecess 110 c incontrol unit 60. - It should be understood that the play yard and
control unit 60 may be utilized without the mobile arm, enabling the control unit to be utilized independently of the mobile unit and the flashing lights. In such applications, it is preferable to closerecess 110 c through the use of themember 132′, shown inFIG. 9C and which has a configuration similar to themember 132 shown inFIG. 9B but in which themobile arm 50′ and theswivel coupling 50 a′ are omitted. In addition, the male typeelectrical connector 134 is omitted and a recess is provided to receive the female typeelectrical connector 126 provided withinrecess 110 c. Therecess 132 d′ along the bottom surface ofmember 132′ receives latchingprojection 128 when slidably inserted intorecess 110 c. Thecover member 132′ may be removed by pressing downlever 130 to removeprojection 128 fromrecess 132 d′. - Making reference to
FIG. 9B , when themobile arm 50′ is mounted upon thecontrol unit 60, operatingbuttons - When
mobile arm 50′ is mounted to thecontrol unit 60, thelights 50 c′ along the mobile arm may be controlled by the motion detector and controller CP to blink when in the play mode and the mobile may be rotated when the control unit is in the play mode, both of these operations occurring when the motion sensor detects movement of the infant. - Likewise, the music may be selectively controlled to provide lullaby music (or a soothing voice or other sound) when in the rest or sleep mode and to play a more lively musical selection (or a more animated voice or sound) when in the play mode.
-
FIG. 9D shows an elevational view of thecontrol unit 60 looking toward the inside corner of the play yard when the control unit is mounted to an inside corner of the play yard. The curvedconvex surface 110 d (known also asFIG. 9A ) has a substantiallycircular recess 110e for receiving amotion sensor 137. The speaker 139 is housed within the housing of thecontrol unit 60 adjacentconvex surface 110 d. A plurality of openings arranged in a substantially circular-shapedarea 140 facilitate passage of the sound waves to the exterior of the housing. Anight light 142 is arranged behind atransparent cover 144. Recess 110 c containing the femaleelectrical leads 134 are positioned at the rear of therecess 110 c. Finger operatedlever 132 is coupled to projection 128 (seeFIG. 9A ) by supportingpost 132 a. -
Control unit 60 is configured to fit into an inside corner of the play yard and has twoperpendicular surface FIG. 9G .Projections perpendicular surfaces portions rails corner post 14 shown, for example, inFIG. 1 . The hollow,rounded recesses 110 k, 110 l conform to and receive the upper surfaces of the rod-shapedrails integral projections vertical post 14, shown inFIG. 1 . This arrangement firmly grips thecontrol unit 60 to the play yard when in use. However, theportions portions control unit 60 away the play yard in order to facilitate movement of the play yard to the fully collapsed position. As is conventional, eachside rail assembly 22 through 28 is provided with an operating button which, when depressed, enables each of the side rails to be collapsed initially to a V-shaped configuration and ultimately to a position in which the rail portions making up each side rail are substantially parallel to one another. This structure is conventional and is provided with an operating button such as, for example, the operating button B for collapsing theside rail 22, it being understood that each of the other side rails is provided with a like operating button as is likewise conventional. - In the
embodiment 60 shown inFIGS. 9A and 9D through 9G, the top of grippingportion 110 i extends in a diagonally upward direction in order to receive a curved, upper side rail such as, for example, thecurved side rail 28′ shown, for example, inFIG. 3 . Alternatively, the side of thecontrol unit 60 which is adapted to snap-fit to a horizontally aligned side rail such asside rail 28 shown inFIG. 1 , has a shape which extends horizontally as shown by dottedline 110i′ inFIG. 9F .FIG. 9F further shows theside surface 110 f as provided with acover 110 q covering a battery compartment containing portable batteries (not shown) providing the electrical energy for operating thecontrol unit 60. Thecover 110 q is preferably maintained in place by threaded fasteners such as, for example, the threadedfasteners 152. - A coupling similar in design and function to the
coupling 132 shown inFIG. 9D , provided at that lower end of themobile arm 50′ is also utilized at theend 50 b of thecurved amusement bar 50 shown inFIG. 1 , the only difference being that there is no need for a rotatable coupling betweenamusement bar 50 andcoupling 132. As was described above, when employing thecontrol unit 60, theamusement bar 50 or alternatively themobile arm 50′ has two operating activity modes namely the play mode when the lights along either of the amusement bar or mobile arm flash at the time that active music is generated or, in the nap mode the lights fade to dark and soft music such as a lullaby is generated. With respect to the mobile bar, the mobile 70 may be selectively controlled to rotate at a gentle speed or a higher speed by controller CP. - The vibration unit V is battery operated and has a compartment (not shown) for receiving portable batteries. The vibration unit is slidably received within a base member secured to one panel of the floor member, Vibration unit V is slidably received therein and removable for replacement of portable batteries (not shown). The vibration unit V, when controlled independently of controller CP, has an amplitude control extending to one side thereof for adjusting amplitude. A push button BP is arranged on the surface of the vibration unit V which faces the floor F enabling the button to be pushed from the top surface of the floor. Although not shown, it should be understood that appropriate indicia such as a circle and a designation such as “vibrator push button” adjacent to the circle serves to accurately locate the push button for operating the vibration unit V. The push button preferably operates in such a way that pressing it once turns the vibration unit V on and pressing it a second time turns the vibration unit V off.
- Although the embodiments shown in
FIG. 4D provide sleeves or pockets for the reinforcing tubes T1 and T2, it should be understood that these sleeves may be provided along the top surface of thefloor 30 of the bassinette and the tubes may be inserted in the sleeves provided in the bassinet floor similar to the sleeves provided along the bottom of floor F, shown inFIG. 4D . -
FIG. 10 is a schematic of the electronics embodied, for example, in theplay yard 10″ ofFIG. 5 . Making reference toFIGS. 4D, 5 , 9A and 9B as well asFIG. 10 , the amusement device is comprised of a combination power supply/vibration unit V (FIG. 4D ) mounted to the underside of floor F, which is provided with reinforcing tubes T1, T2 arranged along the underside thereof to enhance the structural integrity of the floor. If desired, the tubes T1 and T2 may each be first and second tubes which are telescoping joined together to provide a design which is easier to assemble/disassemble. The combination power/supply vibration unit V has a vibration motor MV for imparting vibration to floor F. The combination unit V also includes a battery compartment (not shown) for supplying power. - The vibration unit V having the battery compartment may be releaseably mounted to floor F or be provided separately and independently of the floor, if desired. Providing the battery compartment and vibration motor MV in one housing mounted to floor F reduces the size, weight and complexity of the unit V. Alternatively, one common battery compartment portion may be provided in control unit 60 (
FIG. 9F ) and power may be provided to the vibration unit V through electrical leads coupled between the power supply (i.e., batteries) incontrol unit 60 and motor MV. - The power to motor MV, in one alternative embodiment, is coupled to the vibration motor MV through central processor CP.
- In a preferred embodiment, the
mobile arm 50′ includeslight switch 136 andmobile switch 138 which operate to selectively turn on/off these devices, while the control unit processor CP controls the performance of these devices. A power switch 124 (FIG. 9A ) selectively couples power from the power supply incontrol unit 60 to all of the electronic components inmobile arm 50′ through suitable electrical connections including theconnectors control unit 60. Theslide switch 112 provides a control signal to processor CP which controls thelights 50 c′ (FIG. 3 ) to flash according to the selected operating mode. Processor CP provides power pulses to each light 50 c′ in the light array. Any suitable light pattern such as sequential, random, two-on, two-off, etc. can be provided by the processor. Eachpush button - In a preferred embodiment, music
push button switch 80 provides a control signal to processor CP which activatesspeaker 138, and pulses lights 50 c′. Mobile drive motor MM may also have its rotation rate varied according to the position ofmode switch 112. Preferably, an analog music signal is sent to thespeaker 138, and thelights 50 c′ pulse with the rhythm of the music. Processor CP preferably stores a plurality of tunes (in a memory) which may be selected by continually depressing the musicpush button switch 116. Alternatively, themusic switch 116, when activated, may provide only music, and the drive motor MM and lights 50 c′ may be activated concurrently. A volume adjustment controls 118, 120, respectively raise or lower the volume by controlling the amplitude of a speaker amplifier (not shown) to respectively raise or lower the volume of the sound produced by the speaker. Alternatively, instead of music, the processor may provide any other suitable signals to the speaker, including a human voice recording. - A separate vibration switch VS may be provided to control processor CP to energize the vibrator motor MV to impart vibration to floor F. A vibration rate adjustment switch SR, which is preferably a rotatable member, is configured to raise or lower the current supplied to the
vibration motor 60 and thereby raise or lower the amplitude/frequency of vibration imparted to floor F. By mounting the vibration unit V beneath the floor F, floor F, and thus the infant, are vibrated. - A night
light pushbutton switch 143 provides a signal to processor CP to energize the night light. The LED which forms part of the night light pushbutton serves as a means to monitor the condition of thenight light 142, whereby, if the LED is on and the night light is off, this indicates that the night light needs to be replaced. The motion detector, for example themotion detector 137, provides a signal to processor CP, which, according to the position ofmode selection switch 112, controls the type of music coupled to speaker 139 and controls the flashing (and fading) oflights 50 c′, and if desired, the rotating speed of the mobile motor MM. Alternatively, a switch VS, for controlling the speed and time period of the vibration motor MV, may be provided at a suitable location oncontrol unit 60. - The operating push buttons/slide switches may be arranged in any suitable pattern other than that shown in
FIG. 9A . Also, the push buttons may be replaced by other suitable switches without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Although the mobile are 50′ has been described above, it should be understood that theamusement bar 50, containinglights 50 c, is also preferably provided with an on/off pushbutton similar in design and function topushbutton 136 provided on mobile are 50′. This is also true of theunit 94′ forming part of the stand-alone play mat shown inFIG. 7C .
Claims (31)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/211,949 US20060052172A1 (en) | 2004-08-25 | 2005-08-25 | Juvenile furniture electronic amusement device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US60423104P | 2004-08-25 | 2004-08-25 | |
US11/211,949 US20060052172A1 (en) | 2004-08-25 | 2005-08-25 | Juvenile furniture electronic amusement device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060052172A1 true US20060052172A1 (en) | 2006-03-09 |
Family
ID=35996930
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/211,949 Abandoned US20060052172A1 (en) | 2004-08-25 | 2005-08-25 | Juvenile furniture electronic amusement device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060052172A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050259446A1 (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2005-11-24 | Smith Matthew S | Decorative night light |
US20060252566A1 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2006-11-09 | Steven Gibree | Infant swing with vibration |
US20090077775A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-03-26 | Burns Stephen R | Zipper pull tab lock |
US20090079561A1 (en) * | 2007-09-24 | 2009-03-26 | Adam Nelson | Night light wake up indicator |
GB2471564A (en) * | 2009-07-02 | 2011-01-05 | Silver Cross Holdings Ltd | Infant accommodation with a toy mountable in two positions |
WO2012064811A2 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-05-18 | Mattel, Inc. | Infant support structure with integrated electronic system |
US9510693B2 (en) | 2013-08-01 | 2016-12-06 | Mattel, Inc. | Bidirectional communication between an infant receiving system and a remote device |
US9533235B2 (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2017-01-03 | Way-Hong Chen | Acousto-optical baby toy with a remote control monitoring function |
GB2543808A (en) * | 2015-10-29 | 2017-05-03 | Golden Bear Products Ltd | Sound module for a toy |
US9821240B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2017-11-21 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Toy bar |
USD866995S1 (en) | 2016-09-08 | 2019-11-19 | Kids2, Inc. | Play yard |
US20220304872A1 (en) * | 2021-03-24 | 2022-09-29 | Georganna Zertuche | Child Entertainment Assembly |
US11623464B1 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2023-04-11 | Kids2, Inc. | System and method for detection of position and motion |
Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3554759A (en) * | 1967-04-04 | 1971-01-12 | Degussa | Stabilization of beer |
US3919795A (en) * | 1974-09-23 | 1975-11-18 | Horne Jinivisian Sydney C Van | Motorized mobile |
US4214808A (en) * | 1978-10-25 | 1980-07-29 | Hampson Edward A | Kaleidoscopic mobile |
US4363181A (en) * | 1978-07-31 | 1982-12-14 | Hyman Gregory E | Electronic musical mobile |
US4640034A (en) * | 1985-05-14 | 1987-02-03 | Barry Zisholtz | Mobile for infants |
US4681096A (en) * | 1983-11-18 | 1987-07-21 | Cuervo Armando A | Method and apparatus for therapeutic motion and sound treatment of infants |
US4984380A (en) * | 1989-07-17 | 1991-01-15 | Anderson Rodney D | Body-motion activated crib mobile |
US5387146A (en) * | 1993-11-16 | 1995-02-07 | Smith; Jeffrey S. | Infant ferris wheel |
US5464381A (en) * | 1994-08-31 | 1995-11-07 | Wilson; Christi L. | Infant soothing seat |
US5672088A (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1997-09-30 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Infant toy with universal mounting means |
US5713832A (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1998-02-03 | Product Development Consulting Inc. | Massaging furniture with electric vibration device and eccentric rotor |
US5791775A (en) * | 1995-10-20 | 1998-08-11 | Douglass, Ii; Mryl Rae | Illuminating mobile |
US5803786A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1998-09-08 | Mccormick; Kathy | Continuous play musical mobile |
US5930854A (en) * | 1996-10-10 | 1999-08-03 | James Galt & Company Limited | Infant accommodation apparatus |
US5951360A (en) * | 1998-03-20 | 1999-09-14 | Fearon; Beatrice B. | Infant mobile with compact disc/cassette player apparatus |
US6113455A (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2000-09-05 | Whelan; Kim | Versatile crib mounted mobile |
US6113454A (en) * | 1995-05-10 | 2000-09-05 | Mitchell; Jerri | Amusement center for rear facing infant child seats |
US6116983A (en) * | 1997-08-15 | 2000-09-12 | Mattel, Inc. | Remotely controlled crib toy |
US6413141B1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2002-07-02 | Sharon M. Putney | Noise activated mobile |
US20030153240A1 (en) * | 2002-02-14 | 2003-08-14 | Dejule Aaron M. | Hanging mobile device with electronic display |
US6802757B1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2004-10-12 | The First Years, Inc. | Developmental toy |
-
2005
- 2005-08-25 US US11/211,949 patent/US20060052172A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3554759A (en) * | 1967-04-04 | 1971-01-12 | Degussa | Stabilization of beer |
US3919795A (en) * | 1974-09-23 | 1975-11-18 | Horne Jinivisian Sydney C Van | Motorized mobile |
US4363181A (en) * | 1978-07-31 | 1982-12-14 | Hyman Gregory E | Electronic musical mobile |
US4214808A (en) * | 1978-10-25 | 1980-07-29 | Hampson Edward A | Kaleidoscopic mobile |
US4681096A (en) * | 1983-11-18 | 1987-07-21 | Cuervo Armando A | Method and apparatus for therapeutic motion and sound treatment of infants |
US4640034A (en) * | 1985-05-14 | 1987-02-03 | Barry Zisholtz | Mobile for infants |
US4984380A (en) * | 1989-07-17 | 1991-01-15 | Anderson Rodney D | Body-motion activated crib mobile |
US5387146A (en) * | 1993-11-16 | 1995-02-07 | Smith; Jeffrey S. | Infant ferris wheel |
US5464381A (en) * | 1994-08-31 | 1995-11-07 | Wilson; Christi L. | Infant soothing seat |
US5672088A (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 1997-09-30 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Infant toy with universal mounting means |
US6113454A (en) * | 1995-05-10 | 2000-09-05 | Mitchell; Jerri | Amusement center for rear facing infant child seats |
US5791775A (en) * | 1995-10-20 | 1998-08-11 | Douglass, Ii; Mryl Rae | Illuminating mobile |
US5713832A (en) * | 1996-04-23 | 1998-02-03 | Product Development Consulting Inc. | Massaging furniture with electric vibration device and eccentric rotor |
US5803786A (en) * | 1996-09-30 | 1998-09-08 | Mccormick; Kathy | Continuous play musical mobile |
US5930854A (en) * | 1996-10-10 | 1999-08-03 | James Galt & Company Limited | Infant accommodation apparatus |
US6116983A (en) * | 1997-08-15 | 2000-09-12 | Mattel, Inc. | Remotely controlled crib toy |
US5951360A (en) * | 1998-03-20 | 1999-09-14 | Fearon; Beatrice B. | Infant mobile with compact disc/cassette player apparatus |
US6113455A (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2000-09-05 | Whelan; Kim | Versatile crib mounted mobile |
US6413141B1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2002-07-02 | Sharon M. Putney | Noise activated mobile |
US20030153240A1 (en) * | 2002-02-14 | 2003-08-14 | Dejule Aaron M. | Hanging mobile device with electronic display |
US6802757B1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2004-10-12 | The First Years, Inc. | Developmental toy |
Cited By (31)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050259446A1 (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2005-11-24 | Smith Matthew S | Decorative night light |
US20060252566A1 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2006-11-09 | Steven Gibree | Infant swing with vibration |
US7329192B2 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2008-02-12 | Summer Infant, Inc. | Infant swing with vibration |
US7683763B2 (en) * | 2007-09-24 | 2010-03-23 | Adam Nelson | Night light wake up indicator |
US20120188079A1 (en) * | 2007-09-24 | 2012-07-26 | Adam Nelson | Night light wake up indicator |
US20090079561A1 (en) * | 2007-09-24 | 2009-03-26 | Adam Nelson | Night light wake up indicator |
US8018327B2 (en) * | 2007-09-24 | 2011-09-13 | Good Nite Lite, Llc | Night light wake up indicator |
US20100134284A1 (en) * | 2007-09-24 | 2010-06-03 | Adam Nelson | Night light wake up indicator |
US7882579B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2011-02-08 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Support for an inclinable bassinet assembly |
US20090077775A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-03-26 | Burns Stephen R | Zipper pull tab lock |
US20090077741A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-03-26 | Burns Stephen R | Mesh arrangement for bassinet assembly |
US20090077740A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-03-26 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Support for an inclinable bassinet assembly |
US7739759B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2010-06-22 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Play yard and bassinet assembly |
US20090077742A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-03-26 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Collapsible play yard and bassinet assembly combination |
US20090077738A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-03-26 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Redundant support feature for bassinet assembly and play yard combination |
US20090077739A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-03-26 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Play yard and bassinet assembly |
US8141186B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2012-03-27 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Mesh arrangement for bassinet assembly |
US8201291B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2012-06-19 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Redundant support feature for bassinet assembly and play yard combination |
GB2471564A (en) * | 2009-07-02 | 2011-01-05 | Silver Cross Holdings Ltd | Infant accommodation with a toy mountable in two positions |
WO2012064811A3 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-07-26 | Mattel, Inc. | Infant support structure with integrated electronic system |
GB2498488A (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2013-07-17 | Mattel Inc | Infant support structure with integrated electronic system |
WO2012064811A2 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-05-18 | Mattel, Inc. | Infant support structure with integrated electronic system |
US9510693B2 (en) | 2013-08-01 | 2016-12-06 | Mattel, Inc. | Bidirectional communication between an infant receiving system and a remote device |
US9821240B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2017-11-21 | Kids Ii, Inc. | Toy bar |
US9533235B2 (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2017-01-03 | Way-Hong Chen | Acousto-optical baby toy with a remote control monitoring function |
GB2543808A (en) * | 2015-10-29 | 2017-05-03 | Golden Bear Products Ltd | Sound module for a toy |
GB2543808B (en) * | 2015-10-29 | 2017-11-01 | Golden Bear Products Ltd | Sound module for a toy |
USD866995S1 (en) | 2016-09-08 | 2019-11-19 | Kids2, Inc. | Play yard |
US11623464B1 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2023-04-11 | Kids2, Inc. | System and method for detection of position and motion |
US20220304872A1 (en) * | 2021-03-24 | 2022-09-29 | Georganna Zertuche | Child Entertainment Assembly |
US11918523B2 (en) * | 2021-03-24 | 2024-03-05 | Georganna Zertuche | Child entertainment assembly |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060052172A1 (en) | Juvenile furniture electronic amusement device | |
US6702643B1 (en) | Collapsible infant entertainment assembly | |
US7722118B2 (en) | Repositionable child support device | |
US6332824B2 (en) | Convertible child's toy | |
EP1725145B1 (en) | Rocking apparatus for an infant enclosure | |
US6113455A (en) | Versatile crib mounted mobile | |
ES2311055T3 (en) | CONVERTIBLE ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE. | |
US20160227939A1 (en) | Gliding child support device | |
US20150289677A1 (en) | Repositionable Infant Support Structures | |
CN102512028B (en) | Child swing and jumper apparatus and methods of operating the same | |
US7287768B2 (en) | Multi-mode child entertaining apparatus and methods of using the same | |
US9955799B2 (en) | Child motion device | |
US20160270553A1 (en) | Cradling bassinet | |
US8992283B2 (en) | Entertainment device with mode indicator | |
US7909703B1 (en) | Child's bounce toy with safety net | |
US20160374481A1 (en) | Modular reconfigurable infant-containment and juvenile entertainment products | |
US20060012230A1 (en) | Glider | |
US20110012408A1 (en) | Infant bouncer and activity stand | |
US20150289676A1 (en) | Repositionable Infant Support Structures | |
WO2017070870A1 (en) | Multi-mode control acousto-optic interaction game pad for training logic and sense system of children | |
US6983813B1 (en) | Remote controlled and motorized baby walker | |
US9750350B2 (en) | Bouncing and swiveling infant support structure | |
US20050148278A1 (en) | Amusement device for an infant crib or the like | |
TW201210543A (en) | Baby cradle with natural music | |
GB2503453A (en) | Baby rocking and multifunctional device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SIMPLICITY, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WOOD, STEPHEN;WALDMAN, KENNETH G.;REEL/FRAME:017246/0531 Effective date: 20051117 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SFCA, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SIMPLICITY INC.;REEL/FRAME:020762/0216 Effective date: 20080403 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FCC, LLC D/B/A FIRST CAPITAL, GEORGIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:SFCA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020773/0492 Effective date: 20080409 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CHINA UNITED INTERNATIONAL COMPANY, HONG KONG Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SFCA, INC. (SFCA);REEL/FRAME:021439/0398 Effective date: 20080811 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FCC, LLC D/B/A FIRST CAPITAL, GEORGIA Free format text: CHANGE OF ADDRESS;ASSIGNOR:FCC, LLC D/B/A FIRST CAPITAL;REEL/FRAME:024838/0929 Effective date: 20100817 |