WO2009079599A2

WO2009079599A2 - Entertainment and exercise apparatus for children

Info

Publication number: WO2009079599A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/087264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph J. Grasso; Adrian Cristian Cotirla
Original assignee: Learning Curve Brands, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-12-18
Filing date: 2008-12-17
Publication date: 2009-06-25
Also published as: WO2009079599A3

Abstract

A stationary entertainment and exercise device for a child. The device includes a base covered by a flexible material to define an interior volume. The device also includes a plurality of arms extending from the base and configured to support a tray. Each of the arms includes a conduit extending between the interior volume and the tray. A wind sock or other toy is coupled to the conduit and is inflated when pressure is applied to the flexible material.

Description

ENTERTAINMENT AND EXERCISE APPARATUS FOR CHILDREN RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/014,727 filed on December 18, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Everyone needs exercise including infants and toddlers. Generally, the earlier infants, toddlers, and preschool children get exposure to daily movement and exercise, the better the likelihood of healthy development in later life. Regular exercise can provide the kind of development that may be critical for good health in later life.

[0003] The infant and toddler years are the time that the brain is developing pathways and connections to the muscles. Children who do not get enough exercise may miss out on the chance to make the strong kinds of brain-muscle connections that make physical activity easier and more enjoyable. As the child grows and matures, it is that physical competence that makes exercise more likely to become a life-long habit.

[0004] It has also been thought that for babies, exercise is protection against obesity as they grow up. If kids enjoy exercise as babies, they generally will be more active as adults. As children grow, those who exercise and continue to do so into adulthood are much less likely to become obese.

SUMMARY

[0005] Some parents take their child to organized exercise programs. In general, it is a good idea to encourage a child to be active. It is important to provide plenty of time when the baby is free to move around in a safe space rather than being confined to a carrier, stroller, or other equipment that limits movement. At the same time, busy parents often use containment devices such as exersaucers and walkers to keep a child safe while doing chores, cook, shower, etc. It would be a valuable addition to a containment device for a child to be as active as possible while in such device. It also means playing in ways that encourage the baby to develop skills, such as reaching for objects, rolling, and crawling.

[0006] The invention provides an entertainment and exercise device including a base, a plurality of arms extending from the base and a tray supported by the arms. The base includes a recess covered by a flexible material that defines an interior volume. The tray includes a seat for supporting a child and is rotatable with respect to the tray. The tray includes an opening in communication with a conduit, which extends through the length of one of the arms to be in fluid communication with the interior volume. A wind sock is positioned over the opening. As the child bounces or jumps on the flexible material, the air in the interior volume is diverted to the conduit and through the wind sock. As the air is flowing through the wind sock, the wind sock moves to an upright position. When the air is no longer flowing through the wind sock, the wind sock remains in a non-inflated condition. As the child continues to bounce or jump on the flexible material, the wind sock continually moves from a first position (i.e., non-inflated) to a second position (i.e., inflated).

[0007] In one embodiment, the invention provides an activity center for a child. The activity center comprises a base including a recess covered by a flexible material and defining an interior volume and a plurality of arms extending from the base. At least one of the arms includes a conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end being in fluid communication with the interior volume. The activity center also includes a tray supported by the arms and a wind sock. The tray includes an aperture configured to receive the second end of the conduit, and the wind sock is coupled to the aperture and is in fluid communication with the second end of the conduit.

[0008] In another embodiment, the invention provides a stationary entertainment device for a child. The stationary entertainment device comprises a base including a sidewall and a flexible material connected to the sidewall to define an interior volume, a tray coupled to the base and configured to support a conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume, and a wind sock coupled to the tray and in fluid communication with the conduit, the wind sock configured to inflate when pressure is applied to the flexible material.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a stationary entertainment device for a child. The stationary entertainment device comprises a base including a sidewall and a flexible material connected to an inside surface of the sidewall to define an interior volume, an arm extending from the base, a tray coupled to the arm, and a wind sock. The tray includes a central opening configured to support a seat rotatable with respect to the tray. The wind sock is coupled to the tray and is in fluid communication with the interior volume through a conduit. The wind sock is configured to be inflated upon application of pressure to the flexible material.

[0010] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an entertainment and exercise device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the entertainment and exercise device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the entertainment and exercise device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an entertainment and exercise device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of the entertainment and exercise device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a front view of the entertainment and exercise device illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.

[0018] Although directional references, such as upper, lower, downward, upward, rearward, bottom, front, rear, etc., may be made herein in describing the drawings, these references are made relative to the drawings (as normally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended to be taken literally or limit the present invention in any form. In addition, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance.

[0019] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an entertainment and exercise device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The entertainment and exercise device 10 includes a base 14 having a bottom wall 18 and a sidewall 22 extending from the bottom wall 18 and surrounding the bottom wall 18. The base 14 is illustrated as being circular, however other shapes are also contemplated. The base 14 includes a recess 26 defined by the bottom wall 18 and the sidewall 22. The recess 26 can include a plurality of intermediate walls defining a plurality of sections or air pockets.

[0020] The entertainment and exercise device 10 includes a flexible material 30 stretched over the recess 26 and securely connected to an inside surface of the sidewall 22. The recess 26 can include a hard, but flexible plastic shell over which the flexible material 30 is stretched. The covered recess 26 defines an interior volume including a fluid, such as air or water. The flexible material 30 can be segmented (e.g., to include a plurality of pockets extending into the recess 26) to provide a plurality of separate interior volumes of fluid, such as air or water.

[0021] The entertainment and exercise device 10 can include one or more foot pedals coupled to the base 14 to inject air into the interior volume. The foot pedal can be used by parents to power the device 10 for entertainment of the child.

[0022] The entertainment and exercise device 10 includes a plurality of arms 34 extending from the base 14 in a generally upward direction. Each arm 34 includes a first end 38 coupled to the sidewall 22 and/or bottom wall 18 of the base 14 and a second end 42. The second end 42 of each arm 34 is coupled to a tray 46, discussed below in more detail. Each arm 34 includes a conduit 50 that extends along the length of an interior portion of the arm and is in fluid communication with the recess 26 via an opening in the sidewall 22. A portion or the entire conduit 50 may be located exterior to the arm 34. In addition, a portion of the conduit 50 may be visible though a wall of the arm 34. One or more of the arms 34 can be adjustable along with the respective conduit 50 to adjust to different sized users.

[0023] The entertainment and exercise device 10 also includes the tray 46 as mentioned above. The tray 46 includes a main portion 54 and a plurality of extensions 58 extending from the main portion 54. The main portion 54 of the tray 46 includes an aperture 62 adapted to support a frame 66. The frame 66 is coupled to the tray 46 and is adapted to rotate 360 degrees with respect to the tray. The frame 66 can include a back support portion 70 that extends upward from the frame. The frame 66 supports a fabric sling 74 including a plurality of openings 78 adapted to receives the legs of the child as illustrated in FIG. 2. The sling 74 defines a seat for the child while the child's legs extend through the openings 78 and make contact with the flexible material 30.

[0024] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, each of the extensions 58 of the tray 46 are coupled to a respective second end 42 of an arm 34. Each extension 58 includes an opening 82 in fluid communication with a respective conduit 50. In other constructions, the tray 46 can include one or more recesses defining an interior volume. The interior volume(s) can be in fluid communication with one or more of the conduits 50. In addition, the tray 46 can support one or more bellows to inject air into the interior volume. The bellows can be used by parents to power the windsocks (discussed below) for entertainment of the child.

[0025] The entertainment and exercise device 10 includes a plurality of wind socks 86 and/or an air-powered spinning drum 90 or other like air-powered toy coupled to the tray 46. Each wind sock 86 and spinning drum 90 toy is secured to the respective conduit 50 through the opening 82 of the tray 46 and is in fluid communication with the conduit 50 and the recess 26. As illustrated in the figures, the wind socks 86 can be in the form of a caterpillar, a flower, or any other suitable character or thing. [0026] When the entertainment and exercise device 10 is not in use, the wind socks 86 are generally non-inflated and rest upon the tray 46. The child can activate the wind socks 86 and spinning drum toy 90 by jumping or bouncing up and down on the flexible material 30. Jumping or bouncing on the flexible material 30 causes air to move from the recess 26 through the conduits 50 and into the wind socks 86, thereby inflating the wind socks. Similarly, the spinning drum 90 begins to rotate as air is forced from the recess 26 through the conduits 50 and into the spinning drum 90. When the child stops bouncing on the flexible material 30, the wind socks 86 will deflate and the spinning drum toy 90 will stop spinning. Thus, a child will be encouraged or motivated to jump or bounce on the flexible material 30 to activate the wind socks and other air- powered toys, resulting in an entertaining way to get the child to exercise. In addition, the cause and effect that results when the child jumps or bounces on the flexible material 30 promotes exploration and learning skills in the child.

[0027] The entertainment and exercise device 10 also includes a plurality of other activities supported on the tray 46, such as a spinning disc 94, busy beads 98, ratchet dial 102, popper 106, and/or a teether device 110. These other activities, along with the wind socks 86 and spinning drum toy 90 can be interchangeable and moved to different locations on the tray 46. In addition, other wind socks or toys from other infant devices can be used on the tray 46.

[0028] The entertainment and exercise device 10 provides entertainment, exercise, and motor-skill development when a child is positioned within the sling seat 74. The child can also rotate or move the seat 74 to reach for or play with the activities on the tray 46.

[0029] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An activity center for a child, the activity center comprising: a base including a recess covered by a flexible material and defining an interior volume; a plurality of arms extending from the base, at least one of the arms including a conduit having a first end and a second end, the first end being in fluid communication with the interior volume; a tray supported by the arms, the tray including an aperture configured to receive the second end of the conduit; and a wind sock coupled to the aperture and in fluid communication with the second end of the conduit.

2. The activity center of claim 1 further comprising a wall extending around the base, and wherein the flexible material is connected to the wall.

3. The activity center of claim 1 further comprising additional conduits, one conduit supported by the additional arms, each conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume.

4. The activity center of claim 3 further comprising additional wind socks, one wind sock coupled to and in fluid communication with each of the conduits.

5. The activity center of claim 1 wherein the tray is configured to support a seat adapted to support a child, the tray surrounding the child when supported in the seat.

6. The activity center of claim 5 wherein the seat is rotatable with respect to the tray.

7. The activity center of claim 1 wherein a portion of an exterior wall of the conduit is exposed through an opening in the arm.

8. The activity center of claim 1 wherein the flexible material is segmented defining a plurality of independent interior volumes, and wherein the conduit is in fluid communication with one of the independent interior volumes.

9. The activity center of claim 1 wherein the arms are vertically adjustable to accommodate different sized children.

10. The activity center of claim 1 wherein the wind sock is in a deflated position until pressure is applied to the flexible material.

11. A stationary entertainment device for a child, the stationary entertainment device comprising: a base including a sidewall and a flexible material connected to the sidewall to define an interior volume; a tray coupled to the base and configured to support a conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; and a wind sock coupled to the tray and in fluid communication with the conduit, the wind sock configured to inflate when pressure is applied to the flexible material.

12. The stationary entertainment device of claim 11 further comprising a plurality of arms connected to the base and the tray, and wherein each arm includes a conduit.

13. The stationary entertainment device of claim 12 wherein a portion of an exterior wall of the conduit is exposed through an opening in the arm.

14. The stationary entertainment device of claim 12 wherein the arm and the conduit are vertically adjustable to accommodate different sized children.

15. The stationary entertainment device of claim 11 wherein the tray is configured to support a seat adapted to support a child, the tray surrounding the child when supported in the seat.

16. The stationary entertainment device of claim 14 wherein the seat is rotatable with respect to the tray.

17. The stationary entertainment device of claim 11 wherein the flexible material is segmented defining a plurality of independent interior volumes, and wherein the conduit is in fluid communication with one of the independent interior volumes.

18. A stationary entertainment device for a child, the stationary entertainment device comprising: a base including a sidewall and a flexible material connected to an inside surface of the sidewall to define an interior volume; an arm extending from the base; a tray coupled to the arm, the tray having a central opening configured to support a seat rotatable with respect to the tray; and a wind sock coupled to the tray and in fluid communication with the interior volume through a conduit, the wind sock configured to be inflated upon application of pressure to the flexible material.

19. The stationary entertainment device of claim 18 wherein the arm is vertically adjustable to accommodate different sized children.

20. The stationary entertainment device of claim 18 wherein the flexible material is segmented defining a plurality of independent interior volumes, and wherein the conduit is in fluid communication with one of the independent interior volumes.