WO2000010431A1

WO2000010431A1 - Socket mechanism for accessories

Info

Publication number: WO2000010431A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/018714
Authority: WO
Inventors: William B. Bellows; Paul B. Nelson
Original assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
Priority date: 1998-08-20
Filing date: 1999-08-18
Publication date: 2000-03-02
Also published as: AU5568199A; CA2280568A1

Abstract

A socket mechanism is provided which is uniquely configured to interconnect an accessory such as a toy element to a child care device such as strollers, stationary activity centers, walkers, high chairs, and the like. The socket mechanism includes a fastener mechanism which couples with a retention mechanism disposed on the child care device. The accessory is then attached to the fastener mechanism thereby securing the accessory to the child care device or integrally formed therewith. As such, the caregiver utilizing this invention may releasably connect an accessory to the surface of a child care device thereby allowing the infant access to the accessory while reducing the opportunity for the accessory to become lost, mislaid or discarded by the infant.

Description

SOCKET MECHANISM FOR ACCESSORIES Background of the Invention Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a socket mechanism. Specifically, the present invention relates a socket mechanism which is adapted to mount accessories to child care devices such as strollers, walkers, stationary activity centers, high chairs and the like.

The Prior Art

Traditional child care devices such as strollers, walkers, stationary activity centers, high chairs, and the like operate adequately for their intended purposes. Caregivers have found such devices useful in the care and development of infants. In addition, it is well known in the an that a variety of accessories are necessary in the care of infants. Although an exhaustive list is not possible, accessories as used herein should be interpreted to include any item which is used in the care or entertainment of an infant or child which due to its size or shape is prone to being lost, mislaid, toppled, or broken by the infant. For instance, accessories include but are not limited to toys, beverage containers, food containers, and the like.

Toys have been found to be beneficial in the care of infants. Toys provide both an effective means for pacifying infants who are liable to otherwise become restless and assist in the education process of infants by development of basic eye/hand coordination, digital articulation, as well as appreciation of basic shapes and colors. Accordingly, toys for infants are often shaped and sized to allow an infant to easily and safely handle such toys. Unfortunately, these toys, as well as accessories in general, are commonly lost or mislaid by the infant. If a toy has become lost or mislaid, the infant is likely to become displeased. Accordingly, a caregiver may expend substantial amounts of time retrieving the infant's toys. Alternatively, beverage and food containers are often used by caregivers to assist in the care of infants. However, an infant may undesirably spill the contents of such containers. Once again, the caregiver may expend substantial amounts of time in retrieving such containers and cleaning messes which occur due to any spillage of the container^'s contents.

Accordingly, one skilled in the art can appreciate that such child care devices have several drawbacks. First, such devices fail to provide a mechanism which allows accessories to be securely attached to the device. Secondly, such devices fail to provide a mechanism which allows the toys to be removed from the device at the option of the caregiver. Thirdly, such devices do not provide a mechanism which allows the toys to be interchangeably attached to differing devices. Accordingly, one skilled in the art can appreciate that several advances would be desirable.

Summary of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism which allows an accessory to be securable to a child care device at the option of a caregiver.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism which allows the accessory to be removed from the child care device. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism which allows the accessory to be interchangeable between different child care devices. A further object of the present invention is to provide a socket mechanism which achieves the above disclosed advantages while also reducing the opportunity for injury to the child.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in pan will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

According to the present invention, there is provided a socket mechanism for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device. Child care devices are well known in the art such as strollers, walkers, stationary activity centers, high chairs, and the like. Generally, the child care device provides a surface to which the accessory is secured.

The socket mechanism of the present invention includes a fastener mechanism. The fastener mechanism has a key disposed on the body. Specifically, the key has at least one tongue and at least one protrusion disposed on the tongue. Furthermore, the socket mechanism includes a retention mechanism disposed on d e surface of the child care device. The retention mechanism includes at least one slot sized and shaped to receive a corresponding key. In one embodiment, the accessory includes an engagement portion which is sized and shaped to be received by a channel on the fastener mechanism. In an alternate embodiment, the accessory may be integrally formed with the fastener mechanism. In use, the caregiver will secure the fastener mechanism to the retention mechanism on the child care device. In particular, the caregiver will couple the tongue with the corresponding slot of the retention mechanism. The caregiver may secure the accessory to the fastener mechanism by coupling the engagement portion with the channel, if not integrally formed therewith. After the accessory is securely attached to the child care device, the caregiver may separate the accessory from the child care device. To do so, the user may simply detach the accessory from the fastener mechanism, if not integrally formed therewith. Next, the fastener may be decoupled from the child care device by removing the tongue from the slot of the child

care device.

As best appreciated by one skilled in the an. the present invention substantially advances the art. As disclosed herein, the present invention allows for the accessory to be secured to the child care device thereby substantially reducing the opportunity for the infant to lose, mislay, break or topple the accessory. Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows such accessories to be easily separated from the child care device by the caregiver. As such, the caregiver may separate and store the accessories for the child care device when doing so is desirable. Also, the caregiver may interchange a variety of different accessories to the child care device. Alternatively, the caregiver may transport a single accessory between different child care devices owned by the infant such that the accessories which the child needs may be secured to the particular device currently in use by the infant. Lastly, the above described advantages are achieved while also providing a device which reduces the opportunity for injury to the infant. Specifically, the present invention reduces sharp edges and pinch points which may present an

opportunity for injury to the infant. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further

explanation of the invention as claimed. Description Qf e Drawin s

Tlie accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an accessory, fastener mechanism and a child care device including two separate retention mechanisms;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fastener mechanism of the present invention; Figure 3 is an elevational view of the fastener mechanism of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the fastener mechanism of the present invention: Figure 5 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the retention mechanism; Figure 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of the retention mechanism of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a fragmentary cross-section of the slot of the retention mechanism along line

6-6 of Figure 5.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The invention will now be further clarified by the following example, which is intended to be purely exemplary of the invention.

According to the present invention, there is provided a socket mechanism (10) for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device (14). The child care device as used herein includes strollers, walkers, stationary activity centers, high chairs, and the like. As best appreciated with reference to Figure 1 , the child care device provides a surface (16).

The accessory of the present invention is shown in Figure 1 as a toy element (12) which includes an entertainment device ( 18). Preferably, the toy element has a shaft (20) with a first end (22) and a second end (24). The entertainment device (18) being attached to the first end (22) of the shaft (20). In addition, the toy element (12) includes an engagement portion (26) which is disposed proximate the second end (24) of the shaft (20). As shown in Figure 1 , the entertainment device (18) is globally the shape of a butterfly. However, one skilled in the art can appreciate that entertainment devices having various other shapes are equally anticipated by this invention. Further, Figure 1 depicts a tray (30) for a high chair, not shown. However, one skilled in the art can appreciate that various other child care devices ( 14) may incorporate the unique aspects of this innovation without departing from the teachings thereof.

As best appreciated with reference to Figures 2, 3, and 4, the socket mechanism (10) of the present invention includes a fastener mechanism (32) having a body (34). The body (34) including an engagement surface (38) and an abutment surface (40) oppositely disposed relative to the engagement surface (38). A cylindrical surface (58) is disposed between the engagement surface (38) and the abutment surface (40). Preferably, the engagement surface (38) and abutment surface (40) are approximately circular in shape. The cylindrical surface (58) is approximately cylindrical in shape. A gripping portion (60) is disposed on the body (34) of the fastening mechanism (32). Preferably, the gripping portion (60) is a plurality of ribs (62a. 62b, 62c. 62d. 62e, 62f, 62g, 62h) disposed on the cylindrical surface (58) of the body (34) and extending radially outward therefrom. The fastener mechanism (32) includes at least one key disposed on the body (34). As shown in Figure 3, the key is preferably a pair of keys (36a, 36b). However, one skilled in the art can appreciate d at a greater or lesser number on keys may be utilized without departing from the novel aspects of this invention. Each key (36a. 36b) extends from the abutment surface (40) and includes at least one tongue (42) and at least one protrusion (44) disposed on the tongue (42). Preferably, the tongue (42) is arcuate in shape having a radius of curvature and a protrusion (44) extending outward therefrom. The protrusion (44) is defined by an upper surface (50), a bottom surface (52) oppositely disposed from die upper surface (50), an outer surface (52) disposed therebetween, and a pair of side surfaces (54a, 54b) each being adjacent the outer surface (52). Preferably, a channel (56) is disposed on the body (34) in the engagement surface (38) of the fastener mechanism (32) to receive die engagement portion (26) of the toy element (12). The channel (56) is approximately square in cross-section. Most preferably, the channel (56) is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the engagement portion (18). In an alternate embodiment of this invention, the accessory may be integrally formed with the fastener mechanism (32). Specifically, the toy element (12) may be integrally formed with the fastener mechanism (32). The socket mechanism (10) includes a retention mechanism (64), as shown in Figure 5 and 6, disposed on the surface (16) of the child care device (14). The retention mechanism (64) includes a first surface (66) and a second surface (68) oppositely disposed relative to the first surface (66). The retention mechanism (64) includes at least one slot sized and shaped to receive a corresponding key. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the slot is preferably a pair of slots (70a, 70b). Each slot (70a, 70b) is arcuate in shape having a radius of curvature approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the tongue (42). Each slot (70a, 70b) includes a first terminal end (72) and a second terminal end (74) oppositely disposed and angularly spaced apart relative to the first terminal end (72). Each slot (70a, 70b) also includes an inner edge (76) and an outer edge (78). Both the inner edge (76) and the outer edge (78) are generally arcuate in shape. The outer edge (78) and the inner edge (76) are spaced a distance apart. Preferably, the distance between the outer edge (78) and the inner edge (76) is approximately less than about 0.5 centimeters. Further, the slot includes a keyway (80) adjacent the outer edge (78) such that the protrusion (40) may be inserted through the respective slot (70a, 70b) proximate the first teπrαinal end (72).

As shown in Figure 5, the retention mechanism (64) includes a bearing surface (82) adjacent the outer edge (78) and the keyway (80). A first reinforcement flange (84) is disposed adjacent the keyway (80) and the outer edge (78) of the respective slot (70a, 7b). A second reinforcement flange (86) is disposed adjacent the inner edge (76) of each slot (70a, 70b) proximate the keyway (80). The protrusion (44) of each key (36a, 36b) is spaced a distance from the abutment surface (40). The outer edge (78) of each slot (70a, 70b) defines a depth between the first surface (66) and the second surface (68). Preferably, the distance the protrusion (44) is spaced from the abutment surface (40) is approximately equal to the depth of the outer edge (78).

As shown in Figure 7, a ramp (88) is disposed in the second surface (68) along the bearing surface (82) of the retention mechanism (64). The ramp (88) is positioned along die bearing surface (82) to abut the protrusion such that when the protrusion (44) overcomes the ramp (88) the key (36) is releasably retained in an orientation proximate the second terminal end (74). When the tongue (42) is proximate the first terminal end (72). the protrusion (44) is aligned with the keyway (80) such that the protrusion (44) may be passed through the keyway (80). Most preferably, the angle between the first terminal end (72) and the second terminal end (74) is approximately 45 degrees. Although 45 degrees is preferably disclosed, the angle between the first terminal end (72) and the second terminal end (74) may be varied as required by the particular application. The retention mechanism (64) has been described as being integrally formed with the surface (16) of the child care device (14). However, the present invention contemplates that the retention mechanism (64) may be manufactured separately from the surface (16) and attached to the surface ( 16) by med ods well known in the art.

In use. the caregiver may attach the toy element (12) to the fastener mechanism (32) by inserting the engagement portion (26) into the channel (56). The engagement portion (26) is inserted into the channel (56) thereby securing the engagement portion (26) to the fastener mechanism (32). Next, die caregiver may attach the fastener mechanism (32) to the retention mechanism (64). Specifically, the caregiver will insert the keys (36a. 36b) into the respective slot (70a, 70b) until the abutment surface (40) abuts the first surface (66) of the retention mechanism (64). In this orientation the protrusion (44) of each key (36a, 36b) is aligned with the keyway (80). To secure the fastener mechanism (32) to the surface (16) of the child care device (14), the caregiver will rotate the fastener 45 degrees counterclockwise. In so doing, the upper surface (50) of the protrusion (44) is moved along the bearing surface (S2) over the ramp (88) until the protrusion (44) overcomes the ramp (88). Accordingly, the fastener mechanism (32) is thereby coupled to the child care device (14).

When it is desirable to decouple the fastener mechanism (32) from the surface (16) of the child care device (14), the caregiver will rotate the fastener mechanism (32) clockwise such that the protrusion (44) of each key (36a, 36b) moves along the bearing surface (82) over the ramp (88) until the protrusion (44) is aligned widi the keyway (80). Once the protrusion (44) is aligned with the keyway (80), the fastener mechanism (32) may be decoupled from the surface (16) of the child care device (14). Alternatively, it is anticipated that it may be desirable to reverse the ramp (88) and keyway (80) such that the keyway (80) is proximate the second terminal end (74). In use, the caregiver would pass the keys (36a, 36b) through the keyway (80) and rotate the fastener mechanism (32) clockwise to couple the fastener mechanism (32) to the child care device (14) and rotate the fastener mechanism (32) counterclockwise to decouple the fastener mechanism (32) from the child care device (14).

Accordingly, one skilled in me art can best appreciate that the above disclosed invention substantially advances the art. The caregiver may easily attach the toy element (12) to the fastener mechanism (32) by inserting the engagement portion (26) into the channel (56). Also, the caregiver may easily couple the fastener mechanism (32) to the surface (16). As such, the present invention provides for the uncomplicated attachment of an accessory such as a toy element (12) to the child care device (14). Another advantage of the present invention is that the accessory such as a toy element (12) may be easily separated from the surface (16) of the child care device (14). Specifically, the toy element (12) may be separated from the fastener mechanism (32) thereby allowing differing toys to be attached to the fastener mechanism (32) in an uncomplicated manner. Secondly, the fastener mechanism (32) may be decoupled from the surface (16) of the child care device (14). Accordingly, the caregiver may remove the fastener mechanism (32) from the surface (16) of the child care device (14).

Still another advantage of the present invention is that the above described advantages may be achieved while also providing a device which reduces the opportunity for injury to the infant. Specifically, the present invention has been designed to substantially minimize sharp edges. Also, the present invention has been designed to reduce pinch points or edges in which the infant may stick objects or their fingers. For instance, the distance between the inner edge (76) and the outer edge (78) is approximately less than about 0.5 centimeters thereby reducing the opportunity for the infant to insert an object within d e slot (70) when the fastener mechamsm (32) has been decoupled from the child care device (14).

Still another advantage of the present invention is that the above described advantages may be achieved while also providing a device which reduces the opportunity for injury to the infant. Specifically, one skilled in the art can appreciate that the first flange (84) and the second flange (86) operate to prevent an infant from inserting an object, such as a finger, into each corresponding slot (70a, 70b).

While the above describes the preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention is not intended to be so limited. Other embodiments, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which utilize the teachings herein set forth, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 1. A socket mechanism for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device, said

2 socket mechanism comprising:

3 a fastener mechanism having a body, said fastener mechanism including at least

4 one key disposed on said body, said key having at least one tongue, said key

5 having at least one protrusion disposed on said tongue; and

6 a retention mechanism disposed on said surface of said child care device, said

7 retention mechanism invading at least one slot sized and shaped to receive said at

8 least one key.

1 2. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 1 , wherein said protrusion further

2 comprises:

3 an upper surface;

4 a lower surface oppositely disposed relative to the upper surface;

5 an outer surface disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface; and

6 ΓÇó a pair of side surfaces disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface,

7 said pair of side surfaces each being adjacent said outer surface.

1 3. A socket mechamsm as recited in Claim 2, wherein said slot of said retention

2 mechanism comprises:

3 a first terminal end;

4 a second terminal end oppositely disposed relative to the first terminal end;

5 an outer edge interconnecting said first terminal end and said second terminal end,

6 said outer edge having a depth; and

7 an inner edge interconnecting said first terminal end and said second terminal end,

8 said inner surface being inwardly disposed relative to the outer edge.

1 4. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 3, wherein said slot further comprises a

2 keyway disposed on said outer edge of the slot proximate said first terminal end.

1 5. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 4, wherein said slot further includes a

2 bearing surface disposed adjacent the outer edge of said slot.

1 6. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 5, wherein said protrusion is disposed a

2 distance from said body of said fastener mechanism, said distance of said

3 protrusion relative to said body is approximately equal to the depth of said outer

4 edge such that the upper surface of said protrusion abuts said bearing surface of

5 said fastener mechanism when said fastener mechanism is pivoted away from said

6 keyway.

1 7. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 6, wherein said tongue is approximately

2 arcuate in cross-section, and wherein said slot of said retention mechanism is

3 approximately arcuate in cross-section.

1 8. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 7, wherein said first terminal end is

2 angularity spaced apart from said second terminal end relative to the retention

3 mechanism.

1 9. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 8, wherein said first terminal end is

2 angularly spaced apart from said second terminal end by approximately 45 degrees

3 relative to said retention mechanism.

1 10. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 9, wherein said fastener mechanism further

2 includes a gripping portion disposed on said body.

1 1 1. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 10, wherein said gripping portion is a

2 plurality of ribs.

1 12. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 11. wherein said body includes a channel.

1 13. A socket mechanism as recited in Claim 12, wherein said channel is

2 approximately square in cross-section.

1 14. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device, said system

2 comprising:

3 a child care device including a surface:

4 a socket mechanism including a fastener mechanism having a body, said fastener

5 mechanism including at least one key disposed on said body, said key having at

6 least one tongue, said key having at least one protrusion disposed on said tongue.

7 said socket mechanism further including a retention mechanism disposed on said

8 surface of said child care device, said retention mechanism including at least one

9 slot sized and shaped to receive said at least one key.

1 15. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in

2 Claim 14, wherein said body of said fastener further includes a channel.

1 16. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in

2 Claim 15, wherein said accessory is a toy element having an entertainment device

3 and an engagement portion attached to the entertainment device.

1 17. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in

2 Claim 16, wherein said engagement portion of said toy element is sized and

3 shaped to be received by said channel of said fastener mechanism.

1 18. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in

2 Claim 17, wherein said engagement portion and said channel is approximately

3 square in cross-section.

19. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 18, wherein said toy element further includes a shaft interconnecting said entertainment device to said engagement portion.

20. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 19, wherein said protrusion further comprises: an upper surface; a lower surface oppositely disposed relative to the upper surface; an outer surface disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface; and a pair of side surfaces disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface, said pair of side surfaces each being adjacent said outer surface.

21. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 20, wherein said slot of said retention mechanism comprises: a first terminal end; a second terminal end a second terminal end oppositely disposed relative to the first terminal end; an outer edge interconnecting said first terminal end and said second terminal end, said outer edge having a depth; and an inner edge interconnecting said first teΓêæminal end and said second terminal end, said inner surface being inwardly disposed relative to the outer edge.

22. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 21 , wherein said slot further comprises a keyway disposed on said outer edge of the slot proximate said first teiminal end.

23. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 22, wherein said slot further includes a bearing surface disposed proximate the outer edge of said slot.

24. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 23, wherein said protrusion is disposed a distance from said body of said fastener mechanism, said distance of said protrusion relative to said body is approximately equal to the depth of said outer edge such that the upper surface of said protrusion abuts said bearing surface of said fastener mechanism when said fastener mechanism is rotated away from said keyway.

25. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 24, wherein said tongue is approximately arcuate in cross-section, and wherein said slot of said retention mechamsm is approximately arcuate in cross- section.

26. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 25, wherein said first terminal end is angularity spaced apart from said second terminal end relative to the retention mechanism.

27. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 26, wherein said first terminal end is angularly spaced apart from said second terminal end approximately 45 degrees relative to said retention mechanism.

28. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 27, wherein said fastener mechanism further includes a gripping portion disposed on said body.

29. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device as recited in Claim 28, wherein said gripping portion is a plurality of ribs.

30. A system for interconnecting an accessory to a child care device, said system comprising: a child care device including a surface; a socket mechanism including a futener mechanism having a body, said body having a channel, said channel being approximately square in cross-section, said fastener mechanism including at least one key disposed on said body, said key having at least one tongue, said key having at least one protrusion disposed on said tongue, said protrusion having an upper surface, said protrusion having a lower surface oppositely disposed relative to the upper surface, said protrusion further including an outer surface disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface, said protrusion having a pair of side surfaces disposed between said upper surface and said lower surface, said pair of side surfaces each being adjacent said outer surface, said socket mechanism further including a retention mechanism disposed on said surface of said child care device, said retention mechanism including at least one slot sized and shaped to receive said at least one key, said slot having a first terminal end, said slot having a second terminal end oppositely disposed relative to the first terminal end, said slot having an outer edge interconnecting said first te╧Çninal end and said second terminal end, said outer edge having a depth, said slot having an inner, edge interconnecting said first terminal end and said second terminal end. said inner surface being inwardly disposed relative to the outer edge, said slot including a keyway disposed adjacent said outer edge of the slot proximate said first terminal end, said slot including a bearing surface disposed proximate the outer edge of said slot; a toy elemen_t having an entertainment device and an engagement portion attached to the entertainment device, said engagement portion of said toy element being sized and shaped to receive said channel of said fastener mechanism, said engagemen_t portion being approximately square in cross-section, said toy element further including a shaft interconnecting said entertainment device to said engagement portion.