FOLDING PLAY GYM

Abstract

A foldable play gym comprising a support surface for receiving a child and an entertainment component. Generally, the play gym includes a play mat and a toy bar. The play gym is convertible between a use configuration and a folded, storage configuration. The play gym can fold down to a minimal size for storage and/or travel. Generally, the mat is configured to fold and the toy bar is foldable or collapsible. In example embodiments, the toy bar is releasably attachable to the mat and is convertible between an arched, use configuration and a folded, storage configuration. In other embodiments, the toy bar can be permanently attached to the mat.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application is generally directed to the field of child play gyms, and more specifically to a folding or collapsible play gym.

BACKGROUND

There are numerous conventional products for receiving and entertaining infants, including play mats, play gyms, toy bars and the like. Such child support and entertainment devices include a surface for supporting the child and an entertainment element to engage the child. Sometimes children are transported to locations away from home, for example, when going to outings such as the park or when traveling with family or staying with grandparents. For such situations, some child play mats and gyms have been developed that are foldable so they can be more easily transportable. For example, the play mat and toy bar can be foldable into a more compact configuration for transport. However, such foldable play gyms have not proven entirely satisfactory.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improvements to folding, portable play gyms for children. It is to the provision of a folding play gym meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides a foldable play gym comprising a support surface for receiving a child and an entertainment component. Generally, the play gym includes a play mat and a toy bar. The play gym is convertible between a use configuration and a folded, storage configuration. The play gym can fold down to a minimal size for storage and/or travel. Generally, the mat is configured to fold and the toy bar is foldable or collapsible. In example embodiments, the toy bar is releasably attachable to the mat. In other embodiments, the toy bar can be permanently attached to the mat.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a folding play gym comprising a foldable mat and a toy bar. The foldable mat has a first side and a second side. The toy bar has a first end, second end, and at least a first panel and a second panel. The toy bar is movable between a use position and a storage position. In the use position, the toy bar is arch-shaped with the first end attached to the first side of the foldable mat and the second end attached to the second side of the mat. In the storage position, the toy bar is folded such that the first panel is positioned on top of the second panel.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a folding toy bar for a child support structure. The toy bar has at least a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a first end, second end, a top surface and a bottom surface. The first end of the first panel is releasably coupled to the child support structure and the second end of the first panel is pivotally coupled to the top surface of the second panel at a point between the first end of the second panel and the second end of the second panel. A portion of the second panel is positioned beneath the first panel.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method of moving a folding play gym from a use position to a folded, storage position. The play gym comprises a foldable mat and a toy bar releasably coupled to the foldable mat. The toy bar comprises at least a first panel and a second panel. The method comprises detaching the toy bar from the foldable mat and folding the toy bar such that the first panel is positioned on top of the second panel. The method further comprises positioning the folded toy bar on the foldable mat and folding the foldable mat around the toy bar.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable play gym, in a use configuration, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1, illustrating the folding of the toy bar.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1, illustrating the deployment of the toy bar.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1, illustrating the deployment of the toy bar.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the secondary fasteners of the toy bar of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the secondary fasteners of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the primary fastener of the toy bar of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the primary fastener of FIG. 8, illustrating the detachment of the toy bar from the mat.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the primary fastener of FIG. 8, illustrating the detachment of the toy bar from the mat.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1, illustrating the folding of the toy bar.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1, with the toy bar in a folded position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1, illustrating the folding of the mat.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1, illustrating the folding of the mat.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1, with the mat in a folded position.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the foldable play gym of FIG. 1, with the mat in a folded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-16 show various aspects, components and modes of use of a foldable or rollable play gym 10 according to an example embodiment of the invention. Generally, the play gym 10 includes a play mat 20 and a bar or toy bar 50. The play gym 10 is convertible between a use configuration, shown in FIG. 1 and a folded, storage configuration, shown in FIG. 16. In example embodiments, the play gym 10 can fold down to a minimal size for storage and/or travel. Generally, the mat 20 is configured to fold, roll, or collapse and the toy bar 50 is foldable or collapsible. In example embodiments, the toy bar 50 is releasably attachable to the mat 20. In other embodiments, the toy bar 50 can be permanently attached to the mat 20.

In the use configuration, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the folding mat 20 is configured to rest on a support surface, such as the floor, ground, or another substantially horizontal surface. The bottom surface of the mat 20 is configured to contact the support surface. The top surface of the mat 20 is configured to engage or support the child. In the depicted embodiments, the mat 20 has a rectangular shape having two sides 22, and two ends 24. As best seen in FIG. 2, the sides 22 of the mat 20 are generally longer than the ends of the mat 24, making the length of the mat longer than the width of the mat. In other embodiments, the mat 20 can be any shape suitable for providing a comfortable surface for an infant or child including circular, square, oval or polygonal shaped.

In example embodiments, the mat 20 is formed from a shell 26 that surrounds and contains a compressible fill material. The compressible fill material is designed to provide additional comfort and support to the infant. In alternate embodiments, the mat is formed of a padded polyethylene material that is lightweight and waterproof or water resistant. The mat 20 can be formed from a series of panels 28 hingedly connected to one another. In the depicted embodiment, the panels 28 are separated by hinges or seams 30 in the shell 26 of the mat 20. The seams 30 can be formed by stitching, heat pressing, or otherwise attaching the bottom surface of the shell 22 to the top surface of the shell. The seams 30 help to create creases or fold lines for folding the mat 20 into a compact configuration for travel or storage. In the depicted embodiment, the seams 30 extend horizontally across the mat 20 from side 22 to side. In other embodiments, other configurations of panels and seams can be used to fold the mat 20. For example, the seams 30 can extend vertically on the mat from end 24 to end or the seams can be configured to form polygonal panels.

In example embodiments, the fill material is formed from a substantially resilient material. The resilient fill material can be formed from foam, polyester fill, batting, or another conventional resilient and compressible material for providing a cushioning effect. The mat shell 26 is generally formed from a flexible, non-toxic fabric such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or taffeta. In example embodiments, the shell 26 is formed from a water-resistant fabric such as taffeta or a laminate material. In other embodiments, the shell 26 material can be treated to make said fabric water resistant. The shell 26 can include one or more designs, patterns, colors, or tactile combinations to provide stimulation for the child. In other embodiments, the mat 20 includes a removable cover configured to surround the shell 26 of the mat. The cover can be formed of a similar material to the above-described shell. The cover can be removed to be washed.

The toy bar 50 is designed to be held in tension when attached to the play mat 20, but fold when it is detached or partially detached from the mat. In alternate embodiments, the toy bar can be configured to fold when attached to the mat. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toy bar 50 is arch-shaped having a first end 52 and a second end 54. In alternate embodiments, the toy bar 50 can be any suitably shaped arch (e.g. triangular, flat, camber top, parabolic, elliptical, lancet, pointed, etc.). Although a single toy bar is shown, one or more toy bars can be coupled to the mat 20. For example, two toy bars can be coupled at different points along the mat 20 to run parallel or perpendicular to each other. In the example embodiment, the toy bar 50 includes a plurality of panels 56 that are coupled together to provide tension when the toy bar 50 is in the arched use position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but allow the toy bar to fold into the storage position, as shown in FIG. 12. In the depicted embodiment, the toy bar 50 includes three panels 56. In other embodiments, fewer or more panels can be used. In example embodiments, the panels 56 are coupled to one another in an overlapping configuration to provide tension in the arched use configuration. In other embodiments, the panels are coupled end-to-end to create the arched configuration. In the depicted embodiments, the panels 56 have a rectangular shape. In other embodiments, differently shaped panels can be used.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the overlapping panel design allows the toy bar 50 to be held in tension when the ends 52, 54 are attached to the mat 20, but will fold when one or both of the ends are detached from the mat. Each panel 56, 56′, 56″ includes a first end 58, 58′, 58″ and a second end 60, 60′, 60″. In example embodiments, the panels are interchangeable. In the depicted embodiment, the panels 56, 56′, 56″ have generally the same length. In alternate embodiments, the length of the panels can differ. For example, one or more of the panels can be wide enough to provide a canopy for shielding the sun from an infant on the mat. The first end 58 of the first panel 56 is releasably fastened to a side 22 of the mat. The second end 60 of the first panel 56 is pivotally coupled to the top surface of the second panel 56′ at a point offset a distance D from its first end 58′. In example embodiments, the offset distance D is between about 1 inch and about 2 inches to create tension in the arch structure, described in detail below. In example embodiments, the panels 56, 56′, 56″ are permanently or semi-permanently coupled together using attachment mechanisms such as stitching, adhesive, or a hinge mechanism. The panels 56, 56′, 56″ can be sewn together to form a fabric hinge. The first end 58′ of the second panel 56′ is free to rotate about the coupling between the second end 60 of the first panel 58 and the second panel. The second end 60′ of the second panel 56′ is attached to the top of the third panel 56″ at a point a distance D from its first end 58″. The first end 58″ of the third panel 56″ is free to rotate about the coupling between the second end 60′ of the second panel 58′ and the third panel. The second end 60″ of the third panel 56″ is releasably attachable to the side 22 of the mat 20 opposite the first end 58 of the first panel 56.

When both ends 52, 54 of the toy bar 50 are attached to the sides 22 of the mat 20, the first ends 58′, 58″ of the second 56′ and third 56″ panel are forced into engagement with the bottom of the first 56 and second panel 56′, respectively. As the panels 56, 56′, 56″ bend, the first ends 58′, 58″ of the second 56′ and third 56″ panel impart an upward force, creating tension in the resulting arch structure. When an end 52, 54 of the toy bar 50 is decoupled from the mat 20, the tension is released, and the toy bar is able to fold, for example by rotating the second end 60″ of the third panel 58″ toward the first 56 and second 56″ panel. The panels 56, 56′, 56″ are pivoted such that the toy bar 50 folds into a flat, compact configuration for travel or storage. In the storage position, the panels 56, 56′, 56″ are stacked such that they substantially align on top of one another.

In example embodiments, the toy bar 50 can also be releasably coupled along the outer periphery of the mat 20 to create a side wall. The toy bar 50 is positioned such that its sides are coupled to the sides 22 and/or ends 24 of the mat 20. The toy bar 50 extends upward from the edge of the mat 20 perpendicular to the support surface. In example embodiments, the toy bar 50 can be used as a wall that surrounds the outer periphery of the mat. In this wall configuration, the toy bar 50 can contain a child or infant on the mat 20. The wall configuration can be also be used to contain toys within the boundaries of the mat, for example, to use the foldable play gym 10 as a ball pit. In other embodiments, the toy bar 50 can extend around a portion of the periphery of the mat.

In alternate embodiments, the attachments between the panels are releasable, in which case they can be fixed rather than pivotal. In this embodiment, the panels are releasably coupled together by one or more fasteners such as hooks, ties, buckles, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other attachment means. The panels are detached from one another to fold the toy bar to the storage position. In alternate embodiments, the toy bar 50 may comprise thin, metal bistable spring inserts that provide support and structure to the toy bar.

In example embodiments, the panels 56 are formed from a flexible insert surrounded by an outer shell. The flexible insert can be formed from one or more sheets of polypropylene. According to example embodiments, the thickness of the polypropylene sheet inserts is between about 1 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 2 mm and 8 mm, for example about 2 mm. The sheet inserts are dimensioned to bend to form the arch-shaped toy bar while being rigid enough to provide tension. The outer shell can be formed from a fabric material such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or taffeta.

The play gym 10 generally includes primary fastening mechanisms 80, 80′ configured to attach the ends 52, 54 of the toy bar 50 to the sides 22 of the mat. In the depicted embodiment, the fastening mechanism 80 includes a female sleeve 82, positioned on the end of the toy bar 50, and a male rod 84 positioned on the side 22 of the mat 20. As best seen in FIGS. 8-10, the male rod 84 is laterally inserted into the female sleeve 84 to releasably couple the end 52 of the toy bar 50 to the mat 20. The toy bar 50 and the mat 20 can be uncoupled by sliding the rod 84 out of engagement with the sleeve 82. In alternate embodiments, the male rod is positioned on the toy bar and the female sleeve is positioned on the mat. In other embodiments, other primary fastening mechanisms can be used including hooks, ties, buckles, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners or other attachment means. Preferably, the primary fastening mechanism does not require tools or other equipment for coupling and uncoupling.

Optionally, the fastening mechanisms can be color-coded to help the user orient the toy bar. For example, the components of the first fastening mechanism 80 can be a first color, while the components of the second fastening mechanism 80′ are a second color. A user can match the color of the components to correctly orient the toy bar 50. In the depicted embodiment, the ends 52, 54 are releasably coupled to the mat 20 at a point centrally positioned along the length of the mat. In other embodiments, the toy bar can be attached nearer an end of the mat.

The play gym 10 can optionally include a secondary fastening mechanism 90 for releasably coupling the ends of the toy bar 50 to the mat 20. The secondary fastening mechanisms 90 are configured to provide lateral stability for the toy bar 50. In the depicted embodiment, the secondary fastening mechanism includes flaps 92 positioned on either side of the ends 52, 54 of the toy bar, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The flaps include a releasable fastening mechanism for coupling a portion of the flap to the mat 20. In the depicted embodiment, the flaps include a hook-and-loop fastener portion 94 configured to engage a corresponding hook-and-loop fastener portion positioned on the bottom surface of the mat. In other embodiments, the flaps 92 can include hooks, ties, buckles, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other attachment means configured to engage corresponding attachment means on the mat 20. Preferably, the secondary fasteners do not require tools or other equipment for coupling and uncoupling. In example embodiments, the flaps 92 are shaped and decorated to correspond to a design theme of the play gym 10. For example, if the play gym 10 has a cityscape design theme, the secondary fastening mechanism 90 can be configured to resemble buildings. In another example, if the play gym 10 has a zoo design theme, the flaps can be configured to resemble animals.

In example embodiments, toy bar 50 includes one or more fabric loops, rings, hook-and-loop fasteners, or other attachments 70 for attaching toys 72 to the toy bar. In example embodiments, the toy bar 50 includes one or more pockets for housing items such as toys, diapers, bottles, or wipes. The mat 20 has a length and width in the deployed or use position. In example embodiments, the width of the mat 20 in the use position is between about 1 foot and about 3 feet. In preferred embodiments, the width of the mat 20 is between about 1.5 feet and about 2.5 feet. In example embodiments, the length of the mat is between about 2 feet and about 4 feet. In preferred embodiments, the length of the mat is between about 2.5 feet and about 3.5 feet. The width and length of the mat 20 are dimensioned to provide adequate space for an infant or child while allowing the play gym 10 to fold to a compact size. In example embodiments, the play gym 10 has a length and width in the folded position. In example embodiments, the length of the play gym 10 in the folded position is between about 1 foot and about 3 feet. In preferred embodiments, the length of the play gym 10 in the folded position is between about 1.5 feet and about 2.5 feet. In example embodiments, the width of the play gym 10 in the folded position is between about 3 inches and about 9 inches. In preferred embodiments, the width of the play gym 10 in the folded position is between about 5 inches and about 6 inches. The play gym 10 is dimensioned to fit into a standard size diaper bag for storage and travel.

FIGS. 6-16 show a method of collapsing the play gym 10 from the use position, shown in FIG. 1, to the storage position, shown in FIG. 16. Generally, to fold the play gym 10, the toy bar 50 is detached from the mat 20 and folded. The mat 20 is then folded to a relatively compact size. In example embodiments, the mat 20 is folded to retain the folded toy bar 50 so that the folded play gym 10 is a single item for the user to carry.

FIGS. 6-16 show a method of disassembling and folding the toy bar. If the toy bar includes secondary fasteners 90, the secondary fasteners are decoupled from the mat 20, as shown in FIG. 6. The flaps 92 of the secondary fastener can be folded to align with the end panel 56 of the toy bar 50, as shown in FIG. 7. Next, the primary fastener 80 at the first end 52 of the toy bar 50 is detached from the mat 20. In the depicted embodiment, the primary fastener 80 is uncoupled by sliding the rod 84 out of engagement with the sleeve 82, as shown in FIG. 9. In example embodiments, the primary fastener 80′ at the second end 54 of the toy bar 50 is decoupled by the same method. In other embodiments, the second end 54 of the toy bar remains attached to the mat 50. Once the first end 52 is decoupled, the tension is released from the arch structure of the toy bar 50 and it can be folded. The toy bar 50 of the depicted embodiment is folded by rotating the first panel 56 toward the second end 54 of the toy bar about its attachment to the second panel 56′, as shown in FIG. 11. The first panel 56 is rotated until the top of the first panel is flush with the top of the second panel 56′. The second panel 56′ is similarly folded over the third panel 56″ until the toy bar 50 is folded to a generally flat storage position with the panels 56, 56′, 56″ aligned on top of one another, as shown in FIG. 12. In example embodiments, the toys 72 can remain attached to the toy bar 50 in the folded position. In other embodiments, the toys 72 can be removed from the toy bar 50 in the folding process.

FIGS. 13-16 show a method for folding the mat 20 of the play gym 10. In the depicted embodiment, the mat 20 can be rolled or folded over itself to create the compact storage configuration, shown in FIG. 14. In example embodiments, the fold lines or creases 30 in the mat 20 facilitate the folding action. The mat 20 is generally folded in a direction perpendicular to the fold lines 30. In example embodiments, the folded toy bar 50 is positioned on the mat 20 as it is folded, as shown in FIG. 13, so that the mat is folded around the toy bar to assist with keeping the toy bar with the mat for travel and storage.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 an end of the mat can include straps 32 to facilitate holding the mat in the storage configuration. The straps 32 are configured to wrap around the folded mat 20 to hold it in the folded position. In example embodiments, the straps 32 include a releasable fastening mechanism such as hooks, ties, buckles, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners or other attachment means for holding the strap around the folded mat 20. In other embodiments, the straps 32 are elastic and can be stretched around the folded mat 20 to hold it in the folded configuration. Optionally, the mat 20 can include a handle positioned on the bottom surface of the mat. The handle is positioned such that it is exposed when the mat 20 is in the folded position. The handle facilitates carrying and transporting the play gym 10 when it is folded.

While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. The particular configurations, materials of construction, and objections described herein are merely exemplary and are in no way limiting. For example, the folding toy bar described can be attached to a variety of child support structures including bassinets, play yards, and strollers.

Claims

1. A folding play gym comprising: a foldable mat having a first side and a second side; andat least one bar having a first end, a second end, and at least a first panel and a second panel;wherein the bar is movable between a use position and a storage position;wherein in the use position, the first end of the bar is attached to the first side of the foldable mat and the second end of the bar is attached to the second side of the mat; andwherein in the storage position, the bar is folded such that the panels are positioned on top of each other.

2. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein the foldable mat comprises a fill material surrounded by a shell.

3. The folding play gym of claim 2, wherein the shell is formed from a taffeta material.

4. The folding play gym of claim 2, wherein the fill material is formed from a batting material.

5. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein the foldable mat comprises one or more seams positioned perpendicular to the first and second side of the mat.

6. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein the bar comprises at least one toy configured to hang from the bar.

7. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein in the storage position, the bar has a rectangular shape.

8. The folding play gym of claim 1, wherein the foldable mat is foldable between a use configuration and a storage configuration and wherein in the storage configuration the foldable mat has a width of no more than 6 inches.

9. A folding bar for a child support structure, the bar comprising: at least a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a first end, a second end, a top surface and a bottom surface;wherein the first end of the first panel is releasably coupled to the child support structure and the second end of the first panel is pivotally coupled to the top surface of the second panel at a point between the first end of the second panel and the second end of the second panel;wherein a portion of the second panel is positioned beneath the first panel.

10. The folding bar of claim 9, wherein there is a distance between the first end of the second panel and second end of the first panel and wherein this distance is between 1 inches and 2 inches.

11. The folding bar of claim 9, wherein each panel has a rectangular shape.

12. The folding bar of claim 9, wherein each panel comprises an insert surrounded by a fabric shell.

13. The folding bar of claim 12, wherein the insert of each panel is formed from a plastic material.

14. The folding bar of claim 12, wherein the insert of each panel has a thickness of between 1 mm and 10 mm.

15. The folding bar of claim 12, wherein the fabric shell of the first panel is attached to the fabric shell of the second panel to form a fabric hinge.

16. A method of moving a collapsible play gym from a use position to a collapsed, storage position, the play gym comprising a collapsible mat and a bar releasably coupled to the collapsible mat, the bar comprising at least a first panel and a second panel, the method comprising: collapsing the bar such that the panels are positioned on top of each other;positioning the bar on the collapsible mat; andcollapsing the collapsible mat to a smaller configuration.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises detaching the first panel of the bar from the collapsible mat.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the collapsible play gym comprises a primary fastener comprising a first fastening component on the bar that is configured to releasably engage a second fastening component on the collapsible mat, wherein the method further comprises disengaging the first fastening component from the second fastening component.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the bar further comprises secondary fasteners configured to engage the collapsible mat, wherein the method further comprises disengaging the secondary fasteners of the bar from the collapsible mat.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising wrapping the collapsible mat around the bar.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the collapsible mat further comprises at least one strap, wherein the method comprises wrapping the at least one strap around the collapsed mat and bar.