ACCESSORY FOR BABIES OR CHILDREN, AND A KIT COMPRISING SAME

Abstract

The present invention relates to an accessory for infants or children, and a kit thereof. The accessory has a body generally in the form of a loop defining a vacant center and having a first free end and a second free end, and means for closing the loop.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is concerned with an accessory for babies or children, and a kit comprising such accessory. The accessory includes but not limited to a decoration or toy device attachable to a rail, a bar, a post or the like of furniture or an apparatus such as a baby cot, a high chair or a baby stroller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many toys for babies or children in the market which when in use are attachable to baby or children furniture or an apparatus. Such toys often have a connection member for connecting for example an object (e.g. a doll or a book) to the furniture or the apparatus. These toys are useful because they can keep the babies occupied, sparing precious moments of freedom to the parent. The toys may be provided with a learning aid, and can provide educational stimulation to a toddler while playing with the toys.

Problems however have been encountered when using such toys. For example, some of the toys of the type may be difficult to be removed for replacement or cleaning. Some other such toys may be too easily removable, such that even an infant may be able to grasp and remove the toys away from furniture or a stroller to which it attaches. Once removed the toys would likely be dropped along the way, lost or otherwise soiled. Regardless of the degree of difficulty of removing such a toy, they often have limited versatility which means an infant or a child often gets bored after a short while playing with it.

The present invention seeks to address these problems or at least to provide an alternative to the general public.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accessory for babies or children, comprising at least one body generally in the form of a loop defining a vacant center and having at least a first free end and a second free end, and means for closing the loop; wherein the body is constructed to assume a first configuration in which the two free ends are freely movable relative to each other and a second configuration in which the two ends are connectable together by the closure means, and the body is made of a core serving as stuffing covered by a jacket for containing said core.

Preferably, the accessory may be configured to removably cling on an elongate object such as a rail, a bar, a post or the like of a baby cot, a baby stroller or the like.

In one embodiment, in the first configuration the vacant center may generally be of circular shape at default, and in the second configuration the vacant center may generally be of oval or elongate shape. The vacant center in the second configuration may be larger than the vacant center in the first configuration.

The closure means may include at least one flap connected to one of the free ends and a cooperation member connected to the other free end such that connection of the free ends is achievable by the flap wrapping around or otherwise locking with the cooperation member. Once locked, the loop can be removably secured around a rail, a bar, a post or the like.

In a specific embodiment, the flap may be provided with adhesion means for connection with the jacket. The cooperation member may include a strap, and the strap and the free end to which the strap is attached define an opening through which the flap member can pass.

In a preferred embodiment, the accessory may be configured, when in the first configuration and when clung to the elongate object, to be readily removable from, for example, a bar by an infant, a child or an adult. The accessory however may be configured, when in the second configuration and when clung to the elongate object, to disallow or at least discourage an infant or a child to remove the accessory from the bar.

In a further embodiment, the first free end of the loop may be connectable to a second free end of a similar or identical accessory of the same type, and/or the second free end of the loop may be connectable to a first free end of a similar or identical accessory of the same type.

Preferably, the accessory may comprise a decoration member attachable or attached to the body.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accessory kit for babies or children, comprising at least a first body and a second body connectable with the first body, wherein each of the first and the second bodies is generally in the form of a loop defining a vacant center and having a first free end and a second free end, includes means for closing the respective loop, is configured to assume a first configuration in which the first free end and the second free end are freely movable relative to each other, is configured to assume a third configuration in which the first free end of the first body is connectable to the second free end of the second body and/or the second free end of the first body is connectable to the first free end of the second body.

In one embodiment, in the third configuration the first body and the second body together may be configured to assume a spiral shape having two free ends. In an alternative embodiment, in the third configuration the first body and the second body together may be configured to assume a shape generally resembling the number “8”, an entangle shape or a donut shape without free ends.

Preferably, the closure means of each of the bodies or one of the bodies may include at least one flap connected to one of the free ends and a cooperating member connected to the other free end such that connection of the free ends in the same body or from different bodies is achievable by the flap(s) wrapping around or otherwise locking with the respective cooperating member(s). The flap(s) may be provided with adhesion means for connection with the jacket. The cooperation member may include a strap which together with the free end to which the strap is attached defines an opening through which the flap can pass.

Suitably, the accessory may comprise a decoration member attachable or attached to one or each of the bodies.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided at least an accessory for babies or children, comprising a body generally in the form of a loop defining a vacant center and having a first free end, a second free end and a mid-portion connecting the first free end and the second free end, and means for closing the loop; wherein the body is constructed to assume a first configuration in which the two free ends are resiliently movable relative to each other and a second configuration in which the two ends are connectable together by the closure means, wherein at least one of the first free end and the second free end is thinner relative to the mid-portion, and wherein the first free end and the mid-portion together generally define a first plane and the second free end and the mid-portion together generally define a second plane in that the first plane and the second plane intersect.

In an embodiment, the body may be made as a single piece of material. The body may be made of a suitable material such as an injection moldable material or by injection molding. The material may be selected from a group including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR). The body may be resilient enough such that repeated opening and closing of the loop does not affect subsequent performance thereof.

In one embodiment, one or each of the free ends may have a thickness from 3 to 5 mm and a lateral width from 17 to 19 mm. The mid-portion may have a thickness from 6 to 8 mm and a lateral width from 12 to 14 mm. The loop is provided with a region between one of the free ends and the mid-portion which may have a thickness from 6 to 8 mm and a lateral width from 10 to 12 mm. One or both of the free ends may have a greater width compared to that of the mid-portion. Each of the free ends may be provided with an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface, with the inwardly facing surfaces of the free ends facing each other in the second configuration. The loop may be provided with a post extending generally perpendicularly from one of the inwardly facing surfaces of one of the free ends and an aperture at the other free end. The post may be provided with an enlarged flange at its distal end; and the aperture has an elongate profile and is generally defined by circumferential wall although an arched retainer is provided at a distal end of the aperture. The loop may be configured such that the free ends slightly curve away from each other. The relatively thinner and wider free ends provide a structure or configuration suitable for arrangement of the post and the aperture. In use, the particular configuration also facilitates the process of locking of the free ends together or unlocking of the free ends by, for example the palm of one hand, as well as clinging the loop to a rail or removing the loop from a rail.

In one embodiment, in the first configuration the free ends of the loop may overlap by a certain distance at default. In such state, the vacant center may have a width from 50 to 60 mm or about 55 mm.

In one embodiment, in the second configuration the vacant center may have a width from 47 to 57 mm or about 52 mm. The thickness of the free ends together may be up to 20 mm or about 12 mm.

Preferably, the body may be provided with one or more protrusions along its length for enhancing gripping of the loop by a user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an accessory for babies or children, comprising at least one body generally in the form of a loop defining a vacant center and having a first free end, a second free end and a mid-portion connecting the first free end and the second free end, and means for closing the loop and releasably locking the ends together; wherein the body is constructed to assume a first configuration in which the two free ends are resiliently movable relative to each other and a second configuration in which the two ends are connectable together by said closure means, and the closure means includes a post and provides an elongate aperture having a narrower distal end and a proximal end wider than the distal end at the second end, the post and the aperture are configured and positioned such that the two ends are locked together when the post member engages with the distal end of the aperture. In a preferred embodiment, the post member may have an enlarged flange which, when the two ends are locked together, engages with the distal end of the aperture such that pulling the ends in any opposite directions does not disengage the ends or open the loop. On the other hand, disengaging or unlocking of the two ends may involve firstly squeezing the ends together followed by dislodging the post member from the aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIGS. 1 a to 1e are a perspective view, a front view, a side view, an opposite side view and a plan view, respectively, of an embodiment of an accessory in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2 a to 2d illustrate measurements at different locations or in different configurations of the accessory of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 3 shows a possible configuration of the accessory of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 4 b shows two accessories of FIG. 1a connected together in a possible configuration;

FIG. 4 a illustrates the two accessories of FIG. 4b being connected together;

FIG. 5 shows three accessories of FIG. 1a connected together in a possible configuration;

FIG. 6 shows two accessories of FIG. 1a connected together in another possible configuration;

FIG. 7 shows three accessories of FIG. 1a connected together in another possible configuration;

FIG. 8 shows two accessories of FIG. 1a connected together in yet another possible configuration;

FIG. 9 shows three accessories of FIG. 1a connected together in yet another possible configuration;

FIGS. 10 a to 10e are a perspective view, a front view, a plan view, a side view and an opposite side view, respectively, of an embodiment of an accessory in accordance with the present invention in a configuration;

FIGS. 11 a to 10d are a front view, a plan view, a side view and an opposite side view, respectively, of the accessory of FIG. 10a but in another configuration;

FIGS. 12 to 16 illustrate measurements at different locations or in different configurations of the accessory of FIG. 10a; and

FIGS. 17 a to 17d illustrate closing of the accessory of FIG. 10a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 a to 1e show different views of a first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is concerned with an accessory, generally designated 2, for babies and children. The accessory 2 has a body 4 generally in the form of a loop 6 having two free ends 8, 10. The overall body 4 has a texture generally resembling soft toys. The body 4 includes a jacket made of a fabric containing a soft stuffing material in its core. In this embodiment, the jacket is made of brushed tricot and the stuffing is made of a polyester fiber although suitable materials of the type may also be used. It is shown that each of the free ends 8, 10 defines a circumferential surface 12 and a far end surface 14 which is either relatively flat or slightly convex surface. The far end surfaces 14 are generally circular in shape. Due to the soft texture of the loop body 4, the two free ends 8, 10 are movable relative to each other. Specifically, they may be moved away from each other as shown in FIG. 2c and FIG. 2d. Alternatively, the free ends 8, 10 may be moved towards each other such that the far end surfaces 14 can abut or otherwise face each other.

FIGS. 1 a to 1e however show that the accessory 2 is in a particular configuration in which the two free ends 8, 10 are left separated and they are not locked or otherwise connected together. The loop body 4 is constructed such that in this configuration the free ends 8, 10 are biased to overlap each other such that the loop body 4 generally defines a vacant center 16 in its middle, as clearly shown in FIG. 1b. It can be seen that the vacant center 16 is substantially round or circular in shape. In this configuration, the loop body 4 resembles a spiral.

FIG. 1 a shows that one of the free ends 8, 10 is provided with flaps 18 in the form of a pair of ears. The ears are arranged at opposite side of the circumferential far end surface 12 of the free end 8. Each ear is provided with an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface. Means is provided for the inwardly facing surface to adhere to the jacket of the loop body 4. In this particular embodiment, the adhesion means includes a Velcro member connected to the inwardly facing surfaces. FIG. 1d and FIG. 1e show that the other free end 10 is provided with straps 20 in the form of a pair of bands arranged on opposite side of the distal end of the circumferential surface 12. In this embodiment, the bands are specifically located adjacent the far end surface 10. Each of the bands 20 together with the circumferential surface on which it lies defines an opening through which the flap 18 cooperating therewith can pass through. The ears 18, the adhesion means and the bands 20 are elements which allow the free ends 8, 10 to connect with each other. Details of the connection will be explained later in the description.

FIGS. 2 a to 2d illustrate various dimensions of the accessory 2 in different configurations in this embodiment. FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2e show the accessory 2 having assumed a certain configuration in which the free ends 8, 10 overlap with each other at a default state. FIG. 2a shows that the free ends 8, 10 are overlapping with each other by a distance of about 60 mm although studies show that depending on the actual size, flexibility and resilience of the loop body 4, the overlapping region may have a workable distance from 40 to 56 mm as shown by the arrows. FIG. 2b shows that the vacant center 16 has a certain width which, in this embodiment, is about 30 mm although studies show that depending on the actual size, flexibility or resilience of the loop body 4 the workable width of the vacant center may be from 30 to 60 mm as shown by the arrows. In this configuration, despite the free ends 8, 10 are not locked or otherwise connected together, the accessory 2 can still wrap around a rail. However, in this configuration the accessory 2 can be removed or snatched away from the rail relatively easily by an infant or a child, and of course by an adult.

FIGS. 2 c and 2d show the accessory 2 having assumed another configuration in which the free ends 8, 10 do not overlap with each other and are moved apart sideway by a distance. As the free ends 8, 10 are moved apart the width of the vacant center 16 of the loop body 4 will increase as well. The distance between the free ends can of course vary and will depend on how forceful the two ends 8, 10 are moved apart; however, for practical purpose when the free ends 8, 10 are moved apart sufficiently for the accessory 2 to loop around, for example, a rail, the width of the vacant center 16 will typically increase up to about 60 mm, and the distance between the free ends 8, 10 will be up to about 40 mm, as shown by the arrows. In this configuration, the accessory 2 is ready to be installed or to loop around a rail or be removed from the rail.

FIG. 3 shows another configuration of the accessory 2. In this configuration, the two free ends 8, 10 are connected together by a connection means. The connection means, as explained above, includes the flaps 18, the bands 20 and the adhesion means. When the two free ends 8, 10 are to be connected together, the flaps 18 are to enter the respective openings defined by the bands 20 and the circumferential surface 12. Once having passed through the openings, the flaps 18 are then backwardly folded such that the Velcro member attached to their inwardly facing surfaces will lie and adhere to the circumferential surface 12 of the distal end of their free end 8. Once adhered, the two free ends 8, 10 are connected and locked together. It can then be understood that when the accessory 2 is installed and looped around a rail, and then the free ends 8, 10 are locked together, the accessory 2 is secured to the rail. Unlike in the configuration of the accessory 2 in FIG. 1a, the accessory 2 cannot be removed or snatched away from the rail by an infant or a small child because children have not developed fine enough motor skills to perform relatively complex series of actions (detaching the flaps withdrawing the flaps away from the bands, etc.). An adult of course would be able to remove the accessory from the rail.

It is to be understood that the flaps are configured to have a narrower or tapered end which facilitates entry thereof in the opening. It however has a wider middle region which minimizes unintentional removal of the flaps from the bands or separation of the free ends. It has a narrower proximal region end which together with the wider middle region serves to lock itself against the strap.

It is envisaged that small attachments such as doll, a toy or a book, may be attached to the loop body 4.

FIG. 4 b shows a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is concerned with an accessory kit for babies and children. The accessory kit comprises two loop bodies 22, 24, namely a first loop body 22 and a second loop body 24. Each of the two loop bodies is generally similar to the loop body 6 of FIG. 1a although the two loop bodies 22, 24 are connected or at least connectable together. Once connected together, the combined loop bodies 22, 24 take the form of a helix generally defining at least two loops or spirals. FIG. 4a illustrates connection of the two loop bodies 22, 24. It is shown that the first loop body 22 likewise has free ends, one of the free ends provided with a pair of flaps 26 similar to the flaps 18 and the other free ends provided with a pair of bands 28 similar to the bands 20. The second loop body 24 also has two ends, a pair of flaps 30 arranged at one free end and a pair of bands 32 arranged on the other free end. When the loop bodies 22, 24 are to be connected together, a first end of the loop body 22 is be positioned next to a second end of the second loop body 24 such that respective end surfaces of the free ends touch each other or otherwise located very close to each other. Each of the flaps 30 of the second loop body 22 is then peeled away from the circumferential surface and inserted into and passes through a respective opening defined by the band 28 and the circumferential surface of the free end of the first loop body. Once passed through the opening, the flaps 30 is then folded back such that its inwardly facing surface returns to and adheres to the circumferential surface of its free end of the second loop body 24. It is to be understood that the flaps 30 and the bands 28 cooperate together thus leading to the connection and locking together of the two loop bodies 22, 24, as shown in FIG. 4a. After connection, the helix pattern of the combined loop bodies 22, 24 can loop or otherwise spiral around a rail, as illustrated in FIG. 4b.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment except it is an accessory kit comprising three loop bodies, each of which being similar to the loop body. Similar to the two loop bodies in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the three loop bodies are connectable together or separable apart in a similar fashion as shown in FIG. 4a. Once connected together, the three loop bodies firm a long helix. Likewise, the helix pattern of the combined loop bodies can loop or otherwise spiral around a rail.

FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment in that it is concerned with an accessory kit comprising two loop bodies 40, 42. It is however different in the way the loop bodies 40, 42 are connected together in that once connected the loop bodies 40, 42 resemble the number “8”. It is also different in that once connected the loop bodies 40, 42 is a closed loop. It is envisaged that the closed loop can be attached or looped around a rail. Once attached the loop bodies 40, 42 cannot be removed or snatched away from the rail by an infant or a small child as explained above.

FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment in that it is concerned with an accessory kit comprising three loop bodies. It is however different in that it does not assume a spiral or helix configuration. Instead, it assumes a closed loop and entangle configuration.

FIG. 8 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment in that it is concerned with an accessory kit comprising two loop bodies 44, 46. It is however different in the way the loop bodies 44, 46 are connected together. Instead of forming a closed loop resembling the number “8”, the loop bodies 44, 46 form a closed loop resembling an entangle shape.

FIG. 9 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment in that it is concerned with an accessory kit comprising three loop bodies 48, 50, 52. It is however different in the way the loop bodies 48, 50, 52 are connected together. Instead of forming a helix structure, the loop bodies 48, 50, 52 form a generally zigzag shape, or if imaginary lines are drawn connecting the center of the vacant centers a triangle would be formed.

FIGS. 10 a to 10e show an eighth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is concerned with an accessory 54 for babies and children. The accessory 54 has a body 56 generally in the form of a loop 58. The body 56 is made with a plastic(s) material which is relatively stiff and resilient. In this particular embodiment, the material used is polypropylene although other materials such as polyethylene and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or other suitable materials may be used. Suitable materials include any materials which can withstand repeated opening and closing of the loop 58 and yet can restore the loop 58 to a default configuration, as shown in FIG. 10b.

The loop 58 generally has three portions, namely a first free end 60, a second free end 62 and a mid-portion 64 connecting the free ends 60, 62. The two free ends 60, 62 are connectable together by a connection means, and once connected the loop 58 becomes a closed loop 58 as shown in FIGS. 10a to 10e.

FIGS. 11 a to 11d show the loop 58 in a different configuration in which the loop 58 is open and the free ends 60, 62 are not connected together. FIG. 11b shows that the free ends 60, 62 are substantially thinner than the mid-portion 64 of the loop 58, with each of the free ends 60, 62 defining an outwardly facing surface 66 and an inwardly facing surface 68. The free ends 60, 62 are further configured to slightly curve away from each other, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 11b. The relatively thin free ends 60, 62 define two respective planes “A” and “B” although they do not lie on the same plane and they are not parallel to each other. Instead, they intersect with each other. FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11d show that one of the free ends 62 is provided with a post 70 generally extending perpendicularly and protruding from the inwardly facing surface.

The protrusion 70 is provided with an enlarged flange 72 and a narrower cylindrical body 73. FIG. 11a shows that the other free end 60 is provided with an aperture 74 generally having an oval or elongate shape. The aperture 74 has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has a larger width thus allowing the protrusion 70 to pass through. The distal end is provided with a step and has a smaller width which can tightly fit around the cylindrical body 73.

In this embodiment, the loop body 56 is configured to act as a connection member for attaching a toy, a decoration or a book to a rail or a post of a baby cot, baby stroller, etc. When used for such purpose, the size and the shape of the loop 58 are of course to be appropriate. FIG. 13 shows the loop body 56 in a closed configuration in which the width (designated 78) of the vacant center 76 is about 52 mm although studies have shown that the width may be from 45 to 55 mm. FIG. 14 shows the loop body 56 in an open configuration at a default state in which the free ends are biased to move apart by a small extent and the width (designated 80) of the vacant center 76 has become larger and is about 55 mm or from 48 to 58 mm. When the loop body 56 is being made and is just released from a mould, the material of the loop body 56 is not fully hardened yet. In this state, the free ends of the loop body are separated by a larger distance and accordingly the width (designated 82) is typically from 60 to 70 mm, as shown in FIG. 12. The free ends are connected together by locking the protrusion 70 at the aperture 74 during hardening. After the process of hardening and when the free ends 60, 62 are unlocked and disengaged from each other, the loop body 56 is biased to stay in the configuration as shown in FIG. 14.

The loop, when being released from the mold during manufacturing, may still be relatively soft and resiliency of the loop may not have taken shape yet. In such stage, the free ends of the loop may not overlap or the vacant center may have a width from 60 to 70 mm or about 65 mm. Please see FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration of the loop body at a default state when the two ends are not locked together. In this configuration, the distance between middle portions of the free ends is about 12 mm “D” although without causing damage to the loop body the ends may be brought apart such that the distance may be up to 20 mm. When the free ends are pushed to touch each other, the distance would be close to 0 mm. Due to the resilience of the loop body, after flexing the body the loop still returns to this configuration thus maintaining an overall loop configuration. This is advantageous because once a generally loop configuration is attained the body can attain a certain width thus disallowing accidental swallowing by a young child.

FIG. 16 depicts dimensions of various regions at this loop body embodiment. Specifically, at section A-A, the lateral width ranges from 17 to 19 mm and the vertically thickness ranges from 3 to 5 mm; at section B-B the lateral width ranges from 12 to 14 mm and the vertically thickness ranges from 6 to 8 mm; and at section C-C the lateral width ranges from 10 to 12 mm and the vertically thickness ranges from 6 to 8 mm. It is to be understood that the mid-portion of the loop body is generally rounder and the free ends are flatter and broader.

FIGS. 17 a to 17d illustrate closing of the loop or attaching the loop to a rail. The loop is constructed such that on laterally squeezing of the two free ends together by for example the palm of one hand, the aperture can be positioned above the protrusion such as the protrusion can be pushed through the proximal end of the aperture by for example the thumb and the first finger of the same hand. Once pushed through the proximal end of the aperture, the free ends are secured together. It is envisaged that the loop can be secured together around a rail such that the loop can be attached to the rail. Once secured to the rail, a portion of the loop body is to be pulled to cause the protrusion to move into the distal end of the aperture such that the free ends are locked together when the cylindrical body is tightly fitted in the aperture and the enlarged flange sitting above the step, preventing the protrusion to slip out of the aperture. This construction is advantageous in preventing a baby or a small to child to remove the loop body from a rail because while babies and children are capable of pulling they are not yet developed to be capable of squeezing a relatively larger object. On the other hand, adults with larger palm are capable of squeezing the loop body, causing the protrusion to move out from the distal end of the aperture and to move into the proximal end of the aperture. Once moved into the proximal end of the aperture, the protrusion can be snapped out from the aperture, separating the free ends from each other and the loop body can be released from the rail.

It should be understood that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the content of separate embodiments, may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the content of a single embodiment, may be provided separately or in any appropriate sub-combinations. It is to be noted that certain features of the embodiments are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples. For example, in certain embodiments similar to the first embodiment, the connection means may use buttons instead of flaps and straps. The surface of the loop body 56 in FIG. 10a may be textured with for example protrusions to increase friction when gripping by a user.

Claims

1. An accessory for babies or children, comprising:— (a) at least a body generally in the form of a loop defining a vacant center and having at least a first free end and a second free end; and(b) means for closing said loop;wherein:—(i) said body is constructed to assume a first configuration in which the two free ends are freely movable relative to each other and a second(ii) configuration in which the two ends are connectable together by said closure means; and(ii) said body is made of a core serving as stuffing covered by a jacket for containing said core.

2. An accessory as claimed in claim 1, configured to be removably cling on an elongate object such as a rail, a bar, a post or the like of a baby cot, a baby stroller or the like.

3. An accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the first configuration the vacant center is generally of circular shape and in the second configuration the vacant center is generally of oval or elongate shape.

4. An accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacant center in the second configuration is larger than the vacant center in the first configuration.

5. An accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein said closure means includes at least one flap member connected to one of the free ends and a cooperating member connected to the other free end such that connection of the free ends is achievable by said flap member wrapping around or otherwise locking with said cooperating member.

6. An accessory as claimed in claim 5, wherein said flap member is provided with means for adhering or otherwise connecting with the jacket.

7. An accessory as claimed in claim 5, wherein said cooperation member includes a strap member which together with the free end to which said strap member is attached define an opening through which said flap member can pass.

8. An accessory as claimed in claim 2, configured, when in the first configuration and when clung to the elongate object, to be readily removable from the object by an infant, child or an adult.

9. An accessory as claimed in claim 2, configured, when in the second configuration and when clung to the elongate object, to disallow or at least discourage an infant or a child to remove said accessory from the object.

10. An accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first free end is connectable to a second free end of an identical accessory and/or the second free end is connectable to a first free end of an identical accessory.

11. An accessory as claimed in claim 1, comprising a decoration member attached to said loop body.

12. An accessory kit for babies or children, comprising at least a first body and a second body connectable with said first body; wherein each or one of said bodies:—(a) is generally in the form of a loop defining a vacant center and having a first free end and a second free end;(b) includes means for closing said loop;(c) is configured to assume a first configuration in which the first free end and the second free end are freely movable relative to each other; and(d) is configured to assume a third configuration in which the first free end of said first body is connectable to the second free end of said second body and/or the second free end of the first body is connectable to the first free end of the second body.

13. An accessory kit as claimed in claim 12, wherein in the third configuration the first body and the second body together assume a spiral shape having two free ends.

14. An accessory kit as claimed in claim 12, wherein in the third configuration the first body and the second body together assume a shape generally resembling the number “8”, an entangle shape or a donut shape without free ends.

15. An accessory kit as claimed in claim 12, wherein said closure means of one of said bodies or bodies includes at least one flap member connected to one of the free ends and a cooperation member connected to one of the other free ends such that connection of the respective free ends is achievable by said flap member wrapping around or otherwise locking with said cooperation member.

16. An accessory as claimed in claim 15, wherein said flap member is provided with means for adhering or otherwise connecting with the jacket.

17. An accessory as claimed in claim 15, wherein said cooperation member includes a strap member which together with the free end to which said strap member is attached define an opening through which said flap member can pass.

18. An accessory as claimed in claim 12, comprising a decoration member attached to at least one or each of said bodies.

19. An accessory for babies or children, comprising: (a) at least a body generally in the form of a loop defining a vacant center and having a first free end, a second free end and a mid-portion connecting the first free end and the second free end; and(b) means for closing said loop;wherein:—(i) said body is constructed to assume a first configuration in which the two free ends are resiliently movable relative to each other and a second configuration in which the two ends are connectable together by said closure means;(ii) at least one of the first free end and the second free end is thinner flat relative to said mid-portion; and(iii) the first free end and said mid-portion together generally define a first plane and the second free end and said mid-portion together generally define a second plane in that the first plane and the second plane intersect.

20. An accessory for babies or children, comprising:— (a) at least a body generally in the form of a loop defining a vacant center and having a first free end, a second free end and a mid-portion connecting the first free end and the second free end; and(b) means for closing said loop and releasably locking the ends together;wherein:—(i) said body is constructed to assume a first configuration in which the two free ends are resiliently movable relative to each other and a second configuration in which the two ends are connectable together by said closure means; and(ii) said closure means includes a post member, and provides an elongate aperture having a narrower distal end and a proximal end wider than the distal end at the second end of said body, said post and the aperture are configured and positioned such that the two ends are locked together when said post member engages with the distal end of the aperture.