Patent Application
20190076749
The present invention relates generally to a play apparatus primarily for use with an infant or a toddler, and more specifically to a teepee gym that may convert from an open condition to a closed condition and vice versa.
Infant and toddler gyms generally include a play mat with a support structure placed thereon. The support structure may include interactive stimuli suspended therefrom, such as colorful shapes, reflectors, and stuffed toys.
The present invention provides a play apparatus for an infant or toddler. The play apparatus comprises a base member and a support assembly. The base member comprises a cushion mat. The cushioned mat comprises a floor portion and a wall portion. In some embodiments, the base member may include a second floor portion. The support assembly is supported by the floor portion. The support assembly comprises at least three elongated members. Each elongated member includes a base end and a top end. The base end of each of the elongated members engages with and is supported by the floor portion of the base member. The elongated members, which extend upwards from the floor portion to the top end, are secured to one another about the top ends, such as by a tie. The elongated members may be straight or curved as desired. In a preferred embodiment, the support assembly generally defines the shape of a three-sided pyramid. In other embodiments, other shapes are possible, such as four-sided pyramids. Curved elongated members may alternatively be used, so as to form a dome-shaped support member, for example. As such, reference to the play apparatus as a teepee gym is not intended to limit the particular shape of the apparatus.
In some preferred embodiments, interactive stimulus, such as a mirror, small toys, bells, or the like is suspended from the top of the support assembly. Interactive stimulus may be included in other portions of the play apparatus as well.
The play apparatus may be configured in an open condition or a closed condition. In the open condition, the floor portion and the wall portion of the base member are laid flat on the ground, floor, or other support surface. In a preferred embodiment, the floor portion and the wall portion are connected by way of a hinge portion connecting the floor and wall portions. The floor portion and the wall portion may alternately be a continuous structure that is foldable. As yet another alternative, the wall and floor portion may be separate components that may be laid next to one another. In the open condition, an infant may be placed on the mat in a position to play with the suspended stimuli. In the open condition, the base member may also serve as a changing pad or sleeping pad.
The play apparatus may be converted from the open condition to the closed condition by raising a distal end of the wall portion such that edge portions of the wall portion are brought into contact with two of the elongated members of the support assembly. Preferably, the distal end of the wall portion includes a means for engaging and securing with the elongated members. For example, the distal end of the wall portion may include one half of a hook and loop assembly whereas the elongated members include the corresponding half. Alternatively, the distal end of the wall portion may include magnets that may contact corresponding magnets in the elongated members. Still other means for holding the wall portion with the elongated members of the support assembly may be used.
When in the closed position, the infant or toddler may be afforded more privacy than when the play apparatus is in the open condition. In the closed position, the play apparatus may serve the purpose of a small tent. In some embodiments, a mesh or other open-weave fabric may span some of the elongated members to form a screen-type wall to allow for ventilation and to enable the caregiver to view the child.
In an alternative embodiment, the base member may include a second wall portion. This second wall portion can be connected to the first wall portion such that when the first and second wall portions are laid flat with the floor portion, a larger mat is provided. When closed, the second wall portion may fold over the first wall portion to form a double thick wall or may wrap partially around the elongated members and form a second wall. The second wall portion can alternatively extend from a different edge of the floor portion such that the base member extends in two directions. The second wall portion, like the first wall portion, can be raised to be secured with two extending members and form a second wall. It is further contemplated that the number of floor portions corresponds to the number of spaces between elongated members such that when the floor portions are raised, a fully enclosed structure is formed.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings. For example, the discussion herein relates to an apparatus mainly for use with an infant or toddler. Different sizes of the fabric mat and support assembly can be utilized to accommodate larger children.
To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
Referring to
Suspended from the support assembly 18 are visual stimuli 40 for an infant. These stimuli may include fanciful characters, reflectors, bells, or the like. The stimuli may include a motorized or wind up or otherwise movable element 42 that allows the stimuli to move about, similar to a mobile.
Connected to the floor portion 14 by way of a hinge 48 is wall portion 6. In the open condition, the wall portion 16 lies flat on the ground or other support surface along with the floor portion 14. Preferably, the floor portion 14 and wall portion 16 include fanciful graphics and illustrations. Fabric mat 12 is preferably lightly padded and may be treated with stain and water resistant materials.
The apparatus 10 may be converted from the open condition as shown in
Referring to
An alternative embodiment is discussed with respect to
Although not shown, it is contemplated that the number of elongated members can be more than three. For example, four elongated members would form a four-sided pyramid shape, and preferably be used with a square floor portion. Moreover, curved elongated members can be used, such as to form a dome shape. It should further be understood that two or more of the elongated members may be integral with one another.
It will he understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.
