GB2554356A

GB2554356A - Multi functional infant activity bar

Info

Publication number: GB2554356A
Application number: GB1616053.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Louise Nadin Claire
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-21
Filing date: 2016-09-21
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Also published as: GB201616053D0

Abstract

The play bar assembly comprising: a pair of primary support bars C, each having an upper end and lower end; a pair of secondary support bars G, each having an upper end and lower end; two horizontal bars E & H; a pair of fastening means A; and plurality of coupling means J and H; wherein the upper end of each of the primary and secondary support bars is provided with three apertures or slots which act as respective points for fitting said horizontal bars; wherein the lower end of each of the primary bars is provided with the fastening means; wherein the lower end of the secondary bars are coupled to said primary bars by the coupling means which are in turn fastened with threaded bolts. Also disclosed is the horizontal bar separated from the assembly and used individually. When used individually, it has suckers at its ends which are attachable to a surface. When the assembly is attached to a baby pram, carrier, stroller, cot or other such device, the angle of the vertical bars respective of the child may be adjusted. The respective angle between the primary and secondary bars may also be adjusted.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Claire Louise Nadin

Darell Close, Quedgeley, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 4YR, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Claire Louise Nadin (56) Documents Cited:

US 5092549 A US 20110037298 A1

US 5076520 A US 20040242118 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL A47D, A63H, B60N, B62B Other: EPODOC, WPI, INTERNET (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Claire Louise Nadin

Darell Close, Quedgeley, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL2 4YR, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Multi functional infant activity bar

Abstract Title: A multifunctional play bar assembly with reconfigureable bars (57) The play bar assembly comprising: a pair of primary support bars C, each having an upper end and lower end; a pair of secondary support bars G, each having an upper end and lower end; two horizontal bars E & H; a pair of fastening means A; and plurality of coupling means J and H; wherein the upper end of each of the primary and secondary support bars is provided with three apertures or slots which act as respective points for fitting said horizontal bars; wherein the lower end of each of the primary bars is provided with the fastening means; wherein the lower end of the secondary bars are coupled to said primary bars by the coupling means which are in turn fastened with threaded bolts. Also disclosed is the horizontal bar separated from the assembly and used individually. When used individually, it has suckers at its ends which are attachable to a surface.

When the assembly is attached to a baby pram, carrier, stroller, cot or other such device, the angle of the vertical bars respective of the child may be adjusted. The respective angle between the primary and secondary bars may also be adjusted.

Figure 1

Drawings

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TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Multifunctional play bar for children

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention [001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional play bar or frame, and more particularly to a detachable and a mounting assembly which can be reconfigured and be used by infants as a free standing play bar wherein the play bar can also be attached and detached from a stroller/ pram, car seat or bath tub as well as other carriers for babies depending on how the situation demands.

2. Description of related art [002] The present invention is a stand alone, adjustable play bar or frame with two bars, one to play with the hands and the other placed at foot level for the baby to kick and move toys attached or hanging from it.

[003] Current products on the market include fixed arches on bouncers or play gyms for babies but do not allow portability or adaptation to other carriers such as car seats, highchairs or a bath. Although some of these arches are attachable/ detachable, they do not have the necessary attachments to stand alone, be adjusted or have the ability to add or remove objects for the child to play with, unlike the present invention. Also, many activity products have one bar for the hands only without a foot bar for children to kick objects or other play activities.

[004] Although many similar products such as baby bouncers, play gyms exist currently, there is a need for a removable and adaptable piece that allows variation so as to keep the child engaged whilst on the move. This product will suit a variety of tastes for the young child as existing toys can be attached to it. As the child grows up it can also accommodate electronic tablets and books too.

[005] Comparing the present invention with similar ones with more or less the same objectives yields the following patents:

[006] In the patent titled, “Kit and assembly for an infant enclosure” (EP 1 692 976 Al) a kit has been developed for assembling structures useful for infants, comprising a plurality of each one of cross-members, bars and corner modules.

[007] Another patent, “Baby support with inter-connectable play toys” (US 5,546,620) develops a multifunctional baby device including a substantially curved shaped Cushion having at least one strap for securing a play toy to the device.

[008] Another patent, “Foldable child enclosure” (US 7,836,530 B2) is that of a base assembly having four base legs in an X-shaped configuration, a side structure having four side posts, an upper assembly having four pairs of upper arms with each pair connected with medial latch connectors, lower comer assemblies, each having a pair of plates that are pivotally mounted to a side post and a pair of base legs, upper comer assemblies, each having two pair of plates that are configured at a right angle to each other, and cables extending from the base assemblies, through the side posts and being connected to the upper arms and to the latch connectors.

[009] In yet another patent titled, “Child containment system with multiple infant support modes” (US 8,316,481 B2) a structure for a child containment structure defining an interior space to be occupied by an infant and including an infant support surface within the interior space with the child containment structure including, respective connectors to secure the infant support unit in the first operational mode.

[0010] A patent titled, “Support pillow and cover with adjustable play bars” (US 2005/0210591 Al) is that of a support pillow comprising a cushion body having a medial region and two opposing arms that define a generally open well, With the cushion body having an outer periphery and an inner periphery adjacent the well. An adjustable suspension system is used to suspend one or more objects above the pillow.

[0011] Also in another patent titled, “Lightweight modular play structure” (US 2010/0062682 Al) development of a stable, safe, lightweight modular play structure for encouraging and supporting ambulatory motion by one or more infants and which may be selectively assembled in a Variety of configurations in an enclosed, modular unit is examined.

[0012] In one last invention, “Components & modules for flexible play-enclosures with multi-purpose panels” (WO 2011132102 A4) the structure of a multi-faceted and multipurpose enclosure for a child or several children are examined. Due to the flexibility in the use of multi panels, the playpens and similar enclosures made with multi panels can be used for different purposes depending on each customer's preference. The new designs of components provide the flexibility in the making of many new designs.

[0013] Though in all these inventions, talks of confinement of babies vide a detachable structure is given credence, in none of the inventions, the provision of both hand and foot bars for attachments of playing tools have been attempted besides, provisions for appropriate attachments to convert accordingly during the growing stages of the child.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0014] A main object of the present invention is to provide a multi use play bar for a baby to keep him entertained when the baby is confined to a cot, stroller, bathtub or pram.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a play bar for a baby wherein the assembly of the play bar is detachable and adjustable depending upon the size, width and position of the stroller, pram, bathtub or cot, wherein the attachments of the play bar is improved in both safety and operability.

[0016] A third object of the present invention is to provide a play bar for a baby wherein the play bar is easy to reconfigure and can be used with a variety of accessories to entertain kids of all ages.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide a play bar for a baby wherein, the play bar is provided with two bars, one to play with the hands and the other for the foot for the baby to play with “kick toys” attached or hanging from it.

[0018] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a play bar for a baby wherein, the two bars are fully adjustable vide length-wise or height-wise adjustable according to the size and position of the baby.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a play bar for a baby wherein, the play bar poles can be adjusted as per the size of the baby, so that they are always at the right distance from the child thus, allowing the product to grow with the child and adjust accordingly.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a play bar for a baby wherein the play bar can is designed to double-up as a secure mounting point for further accessories which could include brackets to hold computer tablets as well as larger fixed accessories to be used by older children such as a food tray or cup holder.

[0021] In line with the above objectives, the present invention provides a play bar comprising of two bars, one for the hand area and the other for the feet. It is further provided with four moveable arms comprising of plastic. Each arm contains three holes which act as settings for the top and bottom bars which can be adjusted according to the infant’s size and position. Each bar is secured at the end of the frame with wing nuts that allows the requisite freedom for the product to be dismantled in order to attach certain toys or hanging objects onto it. Also at the sides of the frame crocodile clips are attached which allow the unit to be attached to existing baby carriers available in the market such as a moses basket, car seat, baby swing, bouncer or a pram/pushchair. These crocodile clips can be removed and replaced with suction cups which are positioned at the ends in order to secure the frame to the sides of a bath. A strap can also be attached to the frame which can then be secured to the back of a secure seat in a vehicle.

[0022] On account of such detachable structure of the apparatus, the simplicity is retained apart from being low cost. The front guard is interchangeable to act as a hand bar or a food tray to fit the need of the user. Besides, the provisions of an attachment with that of a stroller, ensures the front guard more safety and ease of operability. Moreover, the detachable yet secure fastening of the front guard with the stroller prevents the latter from up and down or sideward movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] The present invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with the aid of the description which relates to preferred embodiments of the invention explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which [0024] Figure 1 is the perspective view of the play bar of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates the connectivity of the wing nuts with the threaded bolts.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates the adjustment of the horizontal bars with respect to the width of the pram.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates the angle adjustment of the vertical bars with respect to the position of the child.

[0028] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the centre hub of the play bar of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the two halves of a clamp along with the wing nuts of the of the play bar of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 is an enlarged view depicting the three positions on the vertical bar where the horizontal bars can be alternatively adjusted.

[0031] Figure 8 is a detailed view of the unscrewed end caps of the horizontal bars of the play bar of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9 is an embodiment of the play bar of the present invention illustrating the fastening of the play bar with Moses basket.

[0033] Figure 10 is an embodiment of the play bar of the present invention illustrating the clamping of the play bar with car seat.

[0034] Figure 11 is an embodiment of the play bar of the present invention illustrating the fastening of the play bar with the sides of a baby bouncer.

[0035] Figure 12 illustrates the replacement of the end caps of a horizontal bar with suction pads of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 13 is an embodiment of the play bar of the present invention wherein the play bar is laid free standing on the play mat.

[0037] Figure 14 is an embodiment of the play bar of the present invention illustrating the multi utility of the central hub of the horizontal bar having provision for a bracket to hold a computer tablet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0038] The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

[0039] The multifunctional play bar assembly of the present invention comprises a pair of primary vertical bars (1); a pair of secondary vertical bars (2); two horizontal bars (3) and (4); a fastening means which are a pair of clamps (5); plurality of coupling means (6), wherein the coupling means may be either wing nuts or end caps.

[0040] Referring to figure 1, each said primary vertical bar (1) at its upper end is provided with three apertures or slots (8), which acts as respective positions for fitting the said horizontal bars (3) and (4), placed between the primary bars.

[0041] The lower end of each of the primary vertical bar (1) is provided with fastening means which are clamps (5) which are fully adjustable having a soft padded inner lining for gripping onto any surface and ensuring that the product it attaches to, does not get damaged.

[0042] Each secondary pair of vertical bars (2) at the upper end is provided with three apertures or slots (8), which acts as respective positions for fitting the said horizontal bars (3) and (4), placing them between the primary bars.

[0043] Whereas the lower end of the secondary pair of vertical bars are coupled to the said primary vertical bars (1) with the help of coupling means, the wing nuts (6) which are in turn fastened with threaded bolts (7).

[0044] The said horizontal bars (3) and (4) are positioned in between the pair of said primary vertical bars (1) and secondary vertical bars (2) respectively at the upper end of the said primary and secondary horizontal bars, wherein the said horizontal bars are fastened to the said vertical bars with the help of coupling means, i.e., the end caps (6).

[0045] The entire play bar assembly is adjustable according to the position of the baby, the type of application where it is used.

[0046] The horizontal bars (3) and (4) are coupled each with the primary (1) and secondary (2) vertical bars of the play bar assembly respectively with the help of coupling means, the wing nuts (6).

[0047] Further, secondary vertical bar (2) is also coupled with the primary vertical bar (1) by coupling means, the wing nut.

[0048] The said wing nuts can be unscrewed to position the horizontal bars (3) and (4) according to the width of the required application.

[0049] Referring to figure 4, the angle of the secondary vertical bar (2) can also be altered depending upon the requirement of the child, by unscrewing the coupling means, the wing nuts (6) positioned therein. The angle of the primary vertical bar (1) with respect to the child can also be altered, once the play bar assembly is clamped to the requisite place be it pram, car seat or carrycot by unscrewing the sard wing nuts (6) of the said clamps (5) which are positioned at the lower end of the primary vertical bar, and which are used for clamping the play bar assembly.

[0050] In another embodiment of the present invention, the said horizontal bars are provided with a centre hub (11) also having a push button, which when pushed, splits the horizontal bars (3) and (4) in the centre, which allows for sliding of the horizontal bars inwards or outwards for placing and altering the accessories to be inserted into the bar. Thus the dismantling of the horizontal bars is not required when the assembly is in place for insertion of accessories or for adjusting the width of the assembly bar according to the application.

[0051] Referring to figure 14, the said horizontal bar (3) & (4), which are split in the centre, are provided with a centre hub (11) which serves as a secured mounting point for further accessories which can include brackets to hold computer tablets (10) as well as larger fixed accessories such as a food tray or cup holder that can be used by older children.

[0052] In another embodiment of the present invention and referring to figure 12, the said horizontal bar can be independently used either within a bath tub or between the parallel walls of a cot or crib, by replacing the end caps of the horizontal bars with suction pads (9).

[0053] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the design of the various elements or by substitution of equivalent methods, without thus departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional play bar of the present invention, the assembly comprising: a pair of primary vertical bars (1);

a pair of secondary vertical bars (2); two horizontal bars (3) and (4); a pair of fastening means (5); plurality of coupling means (6);

i) wherein each said primary vertical bar (1) at its upper end is provided with three apertures or slots (8), which act as respective positions for fitting the said horizontal bars (3) and (4), placed between the said vertical primary bars (1);

ii) wherein the lower end of each of the said primary vertical bar (1) is provided with fastening means (5);

iii) wherein each said secondary pair of vertical bars (2) at is upper end is provided with three apertures or slots (8), which acts as respective positions for fitting the said horizontal bars (3) and (4), interspersed between the said primary vertical bars (1);

iv) wherein the lower end of the said secondary pair of vertical bars (2) are coupled to the said primary vertical bars (1) with the help of said coupling means (6) which are in turn fastened with threaded bolts (7).

2. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, wherein the said coupling means (6) are wing nuts.

3. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, wherein the said coupling means (6) are end caps.

4. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, wherein the said horizontal bars (3) and (4) are coupled each with the said primary (1) and secondary (2) vertical bars of the play bar assembly respectively with the help of said coupling means, the wing nuts (6).

5. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, wherein the angle of the said primary vertical bar (1) with respect to the child can be altered, by unscrewing the said wing nuts (6) of the fastening means (5) which are positioned at the lower end of the said primary vertical bar (1), and which are used for clamping the play bar assembly.

6. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, wherein, the angle of the said secondary vertical bar (2) can be altered depending upon the requirement of the child, by unscrewing, the said wing nuts (6) positioned at the lower end of the said secondary vertical bar, which are coupled to the said primary vertical bars (1) with the help of coupling means, the wing nuts (6) which are in turn fastened with threaded bolts (7).

7. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, wherein the said fastening means (5) are a two part clamps which are fully adjustable having soft padded inner lining for gripping onto any surface and ensuring that the product it attaches to does not become damaged.

8. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, characterized in that the said horizontal bars are provided with a centre hub (11) having a push button, which when pushed, splits the said horizontal bars (3) and (4) in the centre, which allows for sliding of the said horizontal bars inwards or outwards for placing and altering the accessories to be inserted into the bar.

9. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, characterized in that the said horizontal bars (3) & (4) are provided with a centre hub (11) which serves as a secured mounting point for further accessories which can include brackets to hold computer tablets as well as larger fixed accessories to be used by older children such as a food tray or cup holder.

10. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, characterized in that the end caps of the said horizontal bars when replaced by suction pads (9) can be independently used either within a bath tub or between the parallel walls of a cot or crib.

11. A multifunctional play bar according to claim 1, characterized in that the material used for the multifunctional play bar is plastic.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1616053.3 Examiner: Adrian French