WO2018081890A1

WO2018081890A1 - Baby bouncing ball device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2018081890A1
Application number: PCT/CA2017/050033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin LEBLANC; Hua Yang
Original assignee: Leblanc Kevin; Hua Yang
Priority date: 2016-11-02
Filing date: 2017-01-11
Publication date: 2018-05-11
Also published as: CA2947357A1

Abstract

A baby bouncing ball device including a ball having handles and a supporting base. The baby bouncing ball device is useful for supporting at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user while soothing and bouncing said infant-user to sleep.

Description

BABY BOUNCING BALL DEVICE AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of parenting accessories of existing art and more specifically relates to a baby bouncing ball device entitled, EBebe BallD

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Various types of bouncing ball toys, including an inflatable resilient member of various shapes and configurations, are well known in the prior art. Such prior art toys include spherical inflated resilient balls having a handle incorporated at an upper periphery thereof in which the lower portion of the ball merely rests upon a floor surface or the like. The direction of movement of the ball during bouncing movement, however, is unpredictable and thus requires considerable skill by the user to maintain his/her position on the ball during bouncing movement. A suitable solution is desired.

[0004] Chinese Pat. No. 202619048 to Zhang Xiaoning relates to a Ball Chair. The described ball chair includes a ball chair which comprises a pedestal and an inflatable ball. The bottom of the inflatable ball is fixedly connected with the pedestal. A surface of the pedestal, which contacts with the inflatable ball, is provided with a semispherical groove. An inflator clamping groove is disposed at one end of the lower end of the pedestal, and a handle is provided at the other end. The inflatable ball can be sit thereon after pumping, has strong recreational properties, is comfortable to sit, and can be deflated when not in use. The handle is designed to be hung or held conveniently.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known parenting accessory art, the present disclosure provides a novel baby bouncing ball device. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a baby bouncing ball device.

[0006] A baby bouncing ball device is disclosed herein. The baby bouncing ball device includes a baby bouncing ball assembly having a ball having a first-handle and a second- handle, and a supporting base. The baby bouncing ball device comprises the baby bouncing ball assembly. The baby bouncing ball assembly comprises the ball and the supporting base in functional combination. The ball may comprise the first-handle and the second-handle. The first-handle laterally extends from the ball and includes a circular gripping member suitable for moving and stabilizing the ball. The second-handle laterally extends from the ball and includes a circular gripping member suitable for moving and stabilizing the ball.

[0007] The supporting base is configured to receive the spherical-shaped ball. The ball comprises a greater diameter than the supporting base. The supporting base comprises a hemispherical receiving member configured to receive the ball. The ball is removeably coupleable to the supporting base. Further, the ball has an inflated soft elastic body allowing the ball to be flexible and deformable. The ball is compressible to create a bouncing movement when used of the parent-user and infant-user.

[0008] The ball supports a mass of at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user and the supporting base is also configured to support the mass of at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user. The baby bouncing ball device is portable for versatility of use. The ball may further comprise indicia. The indicia may include a glow in the dark logo to help parent-users locate the baby bouncing ball device in the dark. The baby bouncing ball device is useful for supporting at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user while soothing and bouncing the infant-user to sleep.

[0009] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00010] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a baby bouncing ball device, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure. [00011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the baby bouncing ball device during an Sh-useD condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[00012] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the baby bouncing ball device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00013] FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the baby bouncing ball device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00014] FIG. 4 is a front view of the baby bouncing ball device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00015] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for the baby bouncing ball device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00016] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00017] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a parenting accessory and more particularly to a baby bouncing ball device as used to assist parents and newborn babies sleep by providing a soothing bouncing apparatus.

[00018] Generally, the invention is a baby bouncing ball device entitled, EBebe BallD which includes a combination of air filled rubber balls with handle attached to the sides of the ball and a safety base which holds the ball in pace for added stability. Baby bouncing ball device is designed to assist parents and newborn babies in getting the much needed rest they need. Parents may sit on the baby bouncing ball device and bounce up and down while their baby falls fast asleep. The handles allow parents to hold their baby and easily move the ball into proper position without comprising the health and safety of the baby. The baby bouncing ball device also includes a glow in the dark logo for helping parents or caregivers locate the baby bouncing ball device in a dark space.

[00019] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of a baby bouncing ball device 100. FIG. 1 shows a baby bouncing ball device during an Sh-useD condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, baby bouncing ball device 100 may be beneficial for use by a user 140 to put a baby to sleep by producing a soothing bouncing environment. As illustrated, baby bouncing ball device 100 may include baby bouncing ball assembly 110 having ball 120 comprising first-handle 124 and second-handle 128, and supporting base 132.

[00020] FIG. 2 shows the baby bouncing ball device 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As above, the baby bouncing ball device 100 may include a baby bouncing ball assembly 110. Baby bouncing ball assembly 110 comprises ball 120 and supporting base 132 in functional combination. Ball 120 comprises first-handle 124 and second-handle 128. Alternate embodiments may use more or less handles. Supporting base 132 is configured to receive a spherical-shaped ball 120.

[00021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the baby bouncing ball device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in FIG. 3, is the supporting base 132 of the present invention. Ball 120 comprises a greater diameter than supporting base 132. Supporting base 132 comprises a hemispherical receiving member configured to receive ball 120. Ball 120 is removeably coupleable to supporting base 132. [00022] FIG. 4 is a front view of the baby bouncing ball device of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Baby bouncing ball device 100 is portable for versatility of use. Ball 120 comprises indicia. Indicia comprises a glow in the dark logo to help parents locate baby bouncing ball device 100 in the dark. Ball 120 comprises an inflated soft elastic body. Ball 120 is flexible and deformable. First-handle 124 laterally extends from ball 120 and comprises a circular gripping member 130 suitable for moving and stabilizing the ball. Second-handle 128 laterally extends from ball 120 and comprises a circular gripping member 130 suitable for moving and stabilizing ball 120. Ball 120 supports a mass of at least one parent-user 140 and at least one infant-user 142. Supporting base 132 also supports the mass of at least one parent-user 140 and at least one infant-user 142. Ball 120 is compressible to create a bouncing movement of parent-user 140 and infant-user 142.

[00023] Baby bouncing ball device 100 is useful for supporting at least one parent-user 140 and at least one infant-user 142 while soothing and bouncing infant-user 142 to sleep.

[00024] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for using baby bouncing ball device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method for using baby bouncing ball device 500 may include one or more components or features of the baby bouncing ball device 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method for using baby bouncing ball device 500 may include the steps of: step one 501, placing ball 120 on supporting base 132; step two 502, adjusting ball 120 using first-handle 124 and second- handle 128; step three 503, bouncing infant-user 142 to sleep; and step four 504, storing ball 120 and supporting base 132.

[00025] According to one embodiment, the baby bouncing ball device 100 may be arranged as a kit 105. In particular, the baby bouncing ball device 100 may further include a set of instructions 155. The instructions 155 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the baby bouncing ball device 100 (such that the baby bouncing ball device 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner).

[00026] It should be noted that step four 504 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use 500. It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of Cstep of□ should not be interpreted as Qtep forQ in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C.□ 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for using baby bouncing ball device (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.

[00027] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A baby bouncing ball device, the device comprising: a baby bouncing ball assembly including; a ball having; a first-handle; and a second-handle; and a supporting base; wherein said baby bouncing ball device comprises said baby bouncing ball assembly; wherein said baby bouncing ball assembly comprises said ball and said supporting base in functional combination; wherein said ball comprises said first-handle and said second-handle; wherein said supporting base is configured to receive a spherical-shaped said ball; and wherein said baby bouncing ball device is useful for supporting at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user while soothing and bouncing said infant-user to sleep.

2. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the ball comprises an inflated soft elastic body.

3. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 2, wherein the ball is flexible and deformable.

4. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the first-handle laterally extends from said ball.

5. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the second-handle laterally extends from the ball.

6. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 4, wherein the first-handle comprises a circular gripping member suitable for moving and stabilizing the ball.

7. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 5, wherein the second-handle comprises a circular gripping member suitable for moving and stabilizing the ball.

8. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the ball supports a mass of at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user.

9. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the ball is compressible to create a bouncing movement when used of the parent-user and infant-user.

10. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the ball comprises a greater diameter than the supporting base.

11. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 10, wherein the supporting base comprises a hemispherical receiving member configured to receive the ball.

12. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the ball is removeably coupleable to said supporting base.

13. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the supporting base supports the mass of at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user.

14. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the baby bouncing ball device is portable for versatility of use.

15. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 1, wherein the ball comprises functional indicia.

16. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 15, wherein the indicia comprises a glow in the dark logo to help parents locate the baby bouncing ball device in the dark.

17. A baby bouncing ball device, the device comprising: a baby bouncing ball assembly including; a ball having; a first-handle; and a second-handle; and a supporting base; wherein said baby bouncing ball device comprises said baby bouncing ball assembly; wherein said baby bouncing ball assembly comprises said ball and said supporting base in functional combination; wherein said ball comprises said first-handle and said second-handle; wherein said supporting base is configured to receive a spherical-shaped said ball; wherein the ball comprises a greater diameter than the supporting base; wherein the supporting base comprises a hemispherical receiving member configured to receive the ball; wherein the ball is removeably coupleable to said supporting base; wherein the ball comprises an inflated soft elastic body; wherein the ball is flexible and deformable; wherein the ball is compressible to create a bouncing movement when used of the parent-user and infant-user; wherein the first-handle laterally extends from said ball; wherein the first-handle comprises a circular gripping member suitable for moving and stabilizing the ball; wherein the second-handle laterally extends from the ball; wherein the second-handle comprises a circular gripping member suitable for moving and stabilizing the ball; wherein the ball supports a mass of at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user; wherein the supporting base supports the mass of at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user; wherein the baby bouncing ball device is portable for versatility of use; wherein the ball comprises indicia; wherein the indicia comprises a glow in the dark logo to help parents locate the baby bouncing ball device in the dark; and wherein said baby bouncing ball device is useful for supporting at least one parent-user and at least one infant-user while soothing and bouncing said infant-user to sleep.

18. The baby bouncing ball device of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions; and wherein the baby bouncing ball device is arranged as a kit. at least one said baby bouncing ball device; and at least one support member.

19. A method for use of a baby bouncing ball device, the method comprising the steps of: placing a ball on a supporting base; adjusting said ball using a first-handle and a second-handle; and bouncing an infant-user to sleep;

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of: storing said ball and said supporting base.