EP0930035A1 - A supporting element and structures using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The support (1a,1b) is made in one piece and has cylindrical holes in the top in which toys (30,31,32,33,34) are held. It has a flat base with a longitudinal groove which locks elastically on the upper horizontal bar (18) of a cot. This keeps the toys mainly straight.

Description

The present invention relates to a module serving support for one or more maintained objects or elements at their base and in one direction substantially vertical.

It applies to the field of childcare, module that can be used to keep straight by example a child's toy, such as a rattle or a foot of the gallows of a mobile, or an article of childcare like a bottle.

It also concerns structures for children removable, like a tent, using such a module to support the uprights of the structure.

In the area of childcare, the means of support that we know for example for a mobile is consisting of a bracket with a hook for the mobile and fixing means by clamping a clamp type butterfly or clamp around a bar or amount of furniture.

Such a support has the major drawback of damage the bar or the amount of furniture on which it is fixed, because to obtain an effective tightening ensuring the stability of the device, the user is led to crush the part of the bar or the amount which is in contact with the jaws of the pliers. Otherwise, it can only be attached to a bar or a prominent part, which limits its use; the mobile cannot for example be used on a playmat. It also has the disadvantage of only serve as a support for one type of object, the occurrence the gallows of a mobile and being expensive to manufacturing therefore for purchase because it is composed of several parts assembled.

As another means of supporting objects, there are fabric storage compartment systems attached by straps and having pockets for receiving objects. However, this type of support is limited to some uses and not suitable for all objects, for example for a mobile or a bar cross with pendants.

For pendants, there are portal-type support structures, but which have the disadvantage of being bulky and of not not be able to use in a baby bed.

We also know the awakening mats that have a mat on which areas are provided children's activities based on drawings, materials or reported objects. These carpets can be bordered by inflatable tubes covered with delimiting fabric a play area, forming a support to keep the child sitting and offering new surfaces for awakening activities. For this type of early learning toy, it support means are not known for place objects, for example familiar objects to the child, like his mobile, his bottle etc.

Furthermore, one of the concerns in the field of children's toys is to offer an article that evolves with the child and adapts to new situations in which the child is playing.

The object of the present invention is to provide a support means for keeping a substantially straight object, said means can be used in different situations, for example on the baby's bed, on his changing table, on his play mat, to build a play structure etc ..., which can be used of support for several objects and not presenting the disadvantages of the prior art support means mentioned above. It also aims to offer a support method that is simple to inexpensive to manufacture and use.

It offers an object support module, especially in the area of childcare, characterized by at least one support means adapted to receiving an object and cooperating with means ensuring the rotational stability of said module so as to keep said object substantially straight.

The module is thus adapted to maintain stable and substantially vertical an object without the latter does not need to be fixed, the base or the end of the object can be simply placed and maintained in said support means and the latter having a shape and suitable dimensions, particularly in depth.

Such a module has many applications. It can be used to support a wide variety of objects especially in childcare: amount of gallows for a mobile, a bottle, an amount to put on a puppet, rattle, etc. With two modules, you can advantageously build a gantry having only two lateral feet instead of four each maintained in a support module, or in the form of a ark. One can also provide a module which extends longitudinally with a plurality of means of support for different or different objects amounts of the same object such as a support of mobiles made up of two crossed arches. We can also build a play structure for example a small tunnel, which will use support modules to receive the feet of the frame of the structure. You can also use one or more modules to make an awakening or skill game. So advantageous, kits comprising modules, games, construction elements may be offered allowing you to create an achievement yourself.

According to a first embodiment, the means ensuring rotational stability are for example consist of a flat base surface forming a sole and making the module self-supporting. The module can then simply be placed on a surface flat, for example an awakening mat.

According to a second embodiment, the means of rotational stability of the module consist of a elastic gripping means of a protruding part a piece of furniture, for example the top bar of a bed baby. Compared to the means of art support module is easy to install, only by a forced introduction of the prominent part of the furniture in the elastic clamping means, it then simply arrange the different objects chosen in the support means.

The combination of a flat base surface and a elastic clamping means is also possible; it advantageously makes it possible to make the module scalable: it will first be installed on the baby's bed then for example placed on his awakening mat, then used in combination with other modules like building elements of a structure.

Very advantageously, the module is in one piece made of plastic; the means of support is consisting of a recess forming a housing for the base of the object and the rotational stability means of the module consist of a groove and / or a flat base surface. The module will then have the advantage to be easy and inexpensive to manufacture and to be lightweight.

The one-piece construction also presents significant advantages from the point of view of safety of the child who is not likely to ingest small parts which would inadvertently come off. In addition, a monobloc material foam construction synthetic, susceptible to deformation, allows protect the child against possible shocks by example on the crossbars of his bed or his park.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un module de support selon un mode préféré de réalisation de l'invention;
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique partielle d'un lit de bébé équipé de deux modules de support de la figure 1;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne III-III de la figure 2;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique d'une aire d'éveil équipée de deux module de support selon l'invention;
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique d'un jeu d'adresse comportant un module de support selon l'invention;
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique d'une tente réalisée avec deux modules de support selon l'invention;
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique d'un coffre réalisé avec deux modules de support selon l'invention; et
• les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues en élévation illustrant deux variantes de réalisation du module.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the light of the description which
will follow from an exemplary embodiment, description made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
• Figure 2 is a partial schematic view of a baby bed equipped with two support modules of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a sectional view along line III-III of Figure 2;
• Figure 4 is a schematic view of an awakening area equipped with two support module according to the invention;
• Figure 5 is a schematic view of a skill game comprising a support module according to the invention;
• Figure 6 is a schematic view of a tent made with two support modules according to the invention;
• Figure 7 is a schematic view of a box made with two support modules according to the invention; and
• Figures 8 and 9 are elevational views illustrating two alternative embodiments of the module.

Figure 1 shows schematically in perspective a preferred embodiment of the support module 1 according to the invention. This is a single piece, produced by plastic molding. He's stretching longitudinally and has an outer profile continuous horseshoe with upper surface 2 substantially flat, into which four cylindrical housings 3, here four in number, each forming a support means for an object, and two slightly curved outer side walls 4. The module is self-supporting thanks to a sole 9 substantially flat in which a groove opens longitudinal 6 extending over the length of the module. On either side of the groove 6 are thus defined longitudinal lugs 10 intended to cooperate with a prominent part of furniture as will be explained further. The groove 6 has in section a profile in trapezoid with a slightly concave bottom 11 and two side walls 12 inclined planes approaching towards the opening of the groove 6. The basic plane P containing the sole 9 is substantially parallel to the plane containing the substantially planar upper surface 2 of the module. The cylindrical housings 3 have a bottom 13 also substantially parallel to the plane containing the sole 9. The opening of each housing 3 and the opening of the groove 6 are diametrically at opposite to each other, which guarantees better stability of supported objects. The module presents a plane of symmetry S perpendicular to the plane base P containing the sole 9 and extending over the length of the module in the middle of slots 3 and groove 6.

The use of module 1 as a means of support of objects on a baby bed is now described in reference to Figures 2 and 3.

In Figure 2 is partially shown a bed of baby 15 whose head edge 16 and the lateral edges with bars 17. Each of these edges side 17 has a horizontal upper bar 18 of quadrilateral section with an upper edge 19 slightly domed and two side blanks 20. On each upper bar 18 is installed a support module left 1a and right 1b.

The installation of a module is carried out by a Forced insertion of the horizontal upper bar 18 in the groove 6 of the module. Module 1, at least in the vicinity of groove 6, has a elastic deformability which allows it to grip the horizontal upper bar 18. Here, the two legs longitudinal 10 are moved away from their position initial at the time of the introduction of the bar top of the bed in groove 6 and then tend to find this initial position. As one can see in FIG. 3, the side walls 12 of the groove which were tilted on module 1 at rest are then straightened and bear against the lateral flanks 20 of the upper bar 18 of the bed. Stability in rotation is thus ensured and without deterioration of the furniture bar.

Objects are placed in slots 3: in the left module 1a the foot 30 of the stem 31 of a mobile 32, a rattle 33 and in the right module 1b a upright 34 on which a puppet 35 is strung. depth and shape of the housings 3 is adapted to so that common objects to which is intended the module can stand upright simply posed. Here for example the depth is such that the base of the gallows of a mobile is held so stable so that the stem cannot tip over. The arrangement of a module on the two parallel edges of the bed advantageously makes it possible to install a portico (not shown) with pendant objects overhanging the baby.

Module 1b is fitted with an external covering (not visible in the figures), consisting of a cover in fabric with buttonholes where housing openings 3, which includes a storage compartment 36 (shown in Figure 2) consisting of a piece of fabric here rectangular with a pocket 37 fixed to the module casing removably by a zipper. When the module is installed on the upper bar 18 of the bed, the storage compartment extends vertically under the effect of its own weight pressing against the side edge 17 of the bed.

The module 1 according to the invention has the advantage to be simple to install and also simple to remove without the user needing a tool or to make a significant effort.

The groove 6 constitutes a means of stabilization in rotation allowing objects to be kept straight when you want to use the module on a part prominent piece of furniture for example the top bar from a bed or a playpen, the edge of a changing table. The sole 9 also constitutes a means of stabilization in rotation allowing the module to support to be self-supporting and to be used simply placed as seen in Figures 4, 5 and 6. The presence of these two stabilization means makes the advantageously scalable module. So when the child grows, the support modules can find other uses out of bed. They can serve to form an awakening area as shown in the Figure 4 comprising a mat 50 on which is elongated or sitting a child. Two modules left 51a and right 51b are placed on the mat 50 here parallel to so as to support an arch 53 forming a portico for pendants. This arch can be the one that the baby had on his bed or crossed, the advantage being able to rearrange around the child familiar objects. The modules can be fixed to the mat 50 using for example strips of hooking velours or zippers. A bottle 52 is also placed in the module on the left 51a, available to the child. This presents the advantage of preventing the bottle from spilling and soiling the carpet and observe better hygiene. Games can be arranged on the modules as rings 54 to be moved on a small hoop 55 whose feet are held in two housings 3 of the same module. In addition, the modules can fill in in addition to the functions of the inflatable tubes in the game of the prior art, barrier and support for help the child to sit.

In Figure 5, a module is shown used to make an indoor skill game or outdoor, comprising uprights 56 provided with a slot 57 allowing to hang for example a net 58 in which 59 balls are to be sent to distance or used to receive 60 launched rings also at a distance, the uprights 56 being supported at their base in the slots 3 of the module.

When the child is older, the modules can be used to build play structures, such as a tent 70 shown in the figure 6. The frame of tent 70 is made up of two rigid hoops front 71 and rear 72 which cooperate with a canvas 74 provided with a window 75. Two modules 77 subject to a floor mat 78 are arranged parallel and serve as support at the ends 80 hoops 71 and 72.

In Figure 7 is shown a toy box 90 whose frame is supported by two modules arranged in parallel. This frame consists of two elements 91 in inverted "U", each element comprising a cross member 92 and two uprights 93 whose ends are kept in the housing of a module. The trunk walls, shown in dotted lines, are consisting of a one-piece fabric strung on the frame.

It goes without saying that alternative embodiments are possible.

The external shape of the module can be different: it can have a cross section circular as shown in Figures 8 and 9 or any other geometric shape, for example quadrilateral.

Furthermore, the elastic deformability of the module 1, allowing it to be attached to a prominent part of furniture, can be achieved through the use plastic material capable of being compressed elastically at least at the level of the groove, which is crushed and which tends to regain its initial volume. This material can be synthetic foam like plastic or any other blown material. The module will also have the advantage of being very lightweight.

The groove 6 may have a section of another shape, for example quadrilateral as shown in the Figure 9, or a simple more or less deep slit. It can, in particular in the case of the use of a compressible material, present the profile shown in Figure 8 with a groove bottom 30 of shape trapezoidal and two inclined plane walls 31 in moving towards the opening of the groove. A stop 32 is provided on each side between the part trapezoidal and the inclined wall 31. It is compressed when the module is installed. Setting place of the module is facilitated by the inclination of the walls 31 of the groove which guide the introduction of the protruding part of the furniture in the groove.

The number, shape and size of the dwellings 3 are defined as a function of module length and objects it is intended to support. We can predict also housing of different shape from each other.

Instead of accommodation, a longitudinal groove. The module can then be advantageously produced in the form of a profile of "H" section.

To improve the retention of objects in housing or in the groove, one can provide a elastic deformation in the same way as the groove fixing to the protruding part of the furniture either by displacement of lateral legs either by compression of the material in contact with the base of the object.

As has been described and represented on the figure 2 an amount 34 for a puppet 35, we can provide other interface elements such as example a reducer (not shown) for a bottle.

Furthermore, provision may be made for fixing the modules together to achieve a more complex structure, for example a tunnel.

The embodiment which has just been described with its variants is a preferred embodiment because it is scalable. It goes without saying that other modes of are possible, as a module fitted just a sole or just a groove.

Furthermore, the rotational stability of the modules can result not from the presence of a sole but using a frame that is rigid or fixing the modules to a base mat. We can by example make a cover with a central part forming carpet and two side parts, forming each a skin for one or more modules of the bolster cover type with buttonholes for housing openings.

Claims (23)

Object support module (1), in particular for the field of childcare, characterized by at least one support means (3) adapted to receive an object (30,33,34,53,54,56,71,91) and cooperating with means ensuring the rotational stability of said module so as to keep said object substantially straight. Support module according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that it is monobloc. Support module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support means is a housing (3). Support module according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that extends longitudinally and in that it has a plurality of support means (3). Support module according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that the stability means include a sole (9) substantially flat. Support module according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that the means of stability include means elastic grip (6) with a protruding part (18) of a piece of furniture. Support module according to claim 6, characterized in that the clamping means elastic include a longitudinal groove (6), the protruding part (18) of the piece of furniture being introduced in force in said groove. Support module according to claim 7, characterized in that the access opening to the accommodation (3) is substantially diametrically opposite to the opening of the groove (6). Support module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the clamping means elastic consist of a compressible area (30,31,32) in the vicinity of the groove (6). Support module according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the clamping means elastic consist of a flexible zone (la) au vicinity of the groove (6). Support module according to any one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the groove (6) has a quadrilateral section. Support module according to any one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the groove (6) has a section with a curved bottom (11) and two inclined walls (12) approaching one of the other towards the opening of said groove. Support module according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that it is made of plastic. Support module according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is made of synthetic foam. Support module according to any one of previous claims, characterized in that it is produced by molding. Support module according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises fixing means with a floor mat (50). Support module according to any one of previous claims characterized in that it includes fixing means with another module of the same type. Children's gantry including a frame (53) for hanging pendants, characterized by two support modules (51a, 51b) according to one any of claims 1 to 17, the feet of said frame being adapted to be supported in a support means (3) provided in each module. Playground characterized in that it comprises at least two support modules (51a, 51b) according to one any of claims 1 to 17 and a floor mat (50). Structure, especially play like a tent (70) or a tunnel, characterized in that it comprises at least two support modules (77, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and a armature (71, 72, 91) cooperating with a means forming wall (74) and having feet adapted to be supported in said support means (8). Structure according to claim 20, characterized in that the wall means is a fabric. Structure according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the frame consists of two poles (71, 72) intended to form a tent (70). Game of skill characterized in that it comprises at least one support module (1) according to one any of claims 1 to 17 for an amount (56) with which a game is associated, for example rings (60) to thread or else a net (58) to receive bullets (59).

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