INFANT AMUSEMENT DEVICE

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to a multifunctional amusement device for infants. More particularly it is concerned with such a device configurable between activity center modes and soothing modes.

BACKGROUND

Amusement devices intended to be attached to infant furniture are know in the art. One example of such activity center is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,286 describing a multiple actuation crib toy includes a housing together with a clamp to secure the housing to a convenient surface or portion of an infant crib.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to the present disclosure there is provided an infant amusement device comprising a board-like body configured with a first face configured in turn with a first stimulating theme and a second face configured in turn with a second stimulating theme, and a handle unit configured for carrying the amusement device and for mounting it on a wall mounting unit at one of several positions exposing the first face or the second face.

The infant amusement device according to the present disclosure is suited for use at any one of a plurality of configurations, i.e. detached from the wall mounting unit, e.g. hand held or placed over a surface (such as floor, carpet, mat/mattress, etc.), or articulated to the wall mounting unit wherein it is manipulable between displaying the first face or the second face, and wherein at least one of the first face and the second face can be displayed also supinely, i.e. can be viewed when the child is supine.

The wall mounting unit is configured for use in conjunction with the infant amusement device and is configured for attaching to a plurality of child locations, typically such as any child accommodating unit e.g. crib, bed, playpen and the like, or even a vehicle backrest, however configured with at least a substantially uprightly extending portion, such as a side wall, onto which the wall mounting unit can be detachably-attachable mounted.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, the wall mounting unit is configured with a mounting portion configured for detachably attaching to a supporting wall, and a device articulation portion configured for detachably attaching thereto a handle unit of an infant amusement device; said device articulation portion configured for displaying either a first face or a second face of the infant amusement device and for displaying at least one of the first face and the second face at a tilted position, said face facing downwards so it can be viewed when a child is supine.

According to an example of the disclosure, there is provided an infant amusement device to be mounted on a furniture item having a supporting wall, the device comprising: a board-like body configured with a first face configured in turn with a first stimulating theme and a second face configured in turn with a second stimulating theme, and a handle unit configured for carrying the amusement device and for mounting it on said supporting wall at a plurality of positions exposing the first face or the second face.

According to an example of the disclosure, there is provided an infant amusement device comprising: a board-like body configured with a first face configured in turn with a first stimulating theme and a second face configured in turn with a second stimulating theme, a handle unit configured for carrying the amusement device; and a wall mounting unit configured for mounting thereon the handle unit and detachably attaching to a supporting wall of a furniture item; wherein the handle unit is further configured for mounting the amusement device on said wall mounting unit at a plurality of positions exposing the first face or the second face.

The handle unit can be integral or integrated with the board-like body, or can be detachably attachable thereto.

The handle unit facilitates manual gripping and carrying of the infant amusement device and serves also for articulation to the wall mounting unit.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be incorporated in the infant amusement device according to the present disclosure, either separately or in combinations thereof:

• • One or both of the first stimulation theme and the second stimulation theme can comprise or be associated with an audio generating unit. The audio generating unit can be common for both of the first stimulation theme and the second stimulation theme, or independent;
  • The audio generating unit can comprise one or more pre-recorded audio themes (e.g. on a chip/printed circuitry or flash memory) and it can be configured for cooperation with an external audio source, e.g. an MP3 player (by a suitable communications jack or transmitted), or it can comprise a memory card slot, etc.;
  • The audio generating unit can be configured in the handle unit;
  • The handle unit can comprise one or more speakers and a power source, e.g. a battery compartment. There can also be provided a jack for battery recharging;
  • The power source can be common for the audio generating unit and for one or more light emitting units associated with one or both of the stimulating themes;
  • Controls can be provided for adjusting volume and/or light intensity;
  • An ambient light sensor can be configured for initiating or terminating a stimulation action (motion, light or sound associated; independently or in combinations). For example, a soothing light and or lullaby melody can spontaneously be activated or terminated, depending on illumination conditions at the vicinity of the amusement device;
  • A sound/noise sensor can be configured for initiating or terminating a stimulation action (motion, light or sound associated; independently or in combinations). For example, a soothing light and or lullaby melody can spontaneously be activated or terminated, depending on sound, such as child's crying;
  • The electronics of the amusement device can be configured for cooperation with a remote control unit, for initiating or terminating or controlling intensity of one or more stimulation actions;
  • A electronics of the amusement device can be configured with a timer for initiating or terminating one or more stimulation actions;
  • The first stimulating theme is an activity center theme configured for active stimulating an infant, i.e. inducing and encouraging active cooperation of the infant. Such a theme can include movable articles, noise/light generating articles, articles requiring minimum level of manipulating coordination. Typically the activity center theme is associated with exciting images, pattern and colors, such as an outdoor scenario, etc.;
  • The second stimulating theme is a soother theme configured for passive stimulating an infant, i.e. for audio and/or visual stimulation only. Typically the soother theme is associated with soft and calming images, pattern and colors, such a nigh scenario, etc.;
  • The infant amusement device is typically light weight and devoid of pointed corners or elements;
  • The board-like body of the infant amusement device can be substantially planar;
  • The board-like body can be made of or comprise a material rendering it rigid though pliable;
  • The board-like body is configured with a rigid though pliable structural element, the structural element can be made of PP (Polypropylene);
  • The structural element is be at least partially embedded within or coated by a comfort layer, such as foamed material, and the like, rendering it softness. According to a particular example, the structural element is enveloped by a comfort layer;
  • The board-like body can be configured with an external layer comprising the first theme and the second theme. The external layer can be made for example of fabric;
  • The mounting portion of the wall mounting unit can be configured for mounting on a variety of elements such as a wall portion of a crib, bed, playpen, vehicle's car rest and the like. The mounting portion can be configured with different mounting arrangements including a clamping arrangement, a harness/strap fitting, rendering it suitable for detachably-attachable mounting, however a secure way so as to prevent its unintentional detaching;
  • The clamping arrangement of the mounting portion is configured for clamping over a top edge or a side edge of a supporting element such as a wall of a crib, playpen etc.;
  • The device articulation portion of the wall mounting unit can be configured with an grip unit for snapingly engaging a handle unit of the infant amusement device;
  • The grip unit can be configured for pivotal displacement, so that the amusement device can be rotated at least 180° about a roll axis, and at least 90° about a pitch axis;
  • The device articulation portion can be configured with discrete angular settings, for arresting the infant amusement device at intermediate angular positions;
  • The device articulation portion can be configured with an arresting portion for securing the infant amusement device at a tilted position (inclined about a pitch axis), thereby rendering a face of the amusement device visible when a child is at a supine position;
  • The arresting portion can be a hook arrangement configured for arresting a respective arresting member configured at the handle unit of the infant amusement device. The arresting member can be for example a ring-shaped element, a chain, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infant amusement device according to the disclosure, articulated to a wall mounting unit;

FIG. 2A illustrates the amusement device mounted on an infant's bed at an;

FIG. 2B illustrates the on an infant's bed at an ‘soothing mode’;

FIG. 2C is the same as FIG. 2A, however with the amusement device mounted on a ‘pack and play’, the device at the ‘activity mode’;

FIG. 2D illustrates the device of FIG. 2C at a supine viewing ‘soothing mode’;

FIG. 3 illustrates the amusement device mounted on an infant's bed and a soothing face thereof facing downwards, the infant at a supine position;

FIG. 4 illustrates the amusement device detached and in use at a free activity mode, the infant at a prone position;

FIG. 5 is an enlargement of the handle unit of the infant amusement device;

FIG. 6A is a front isometric view of a wall mounting unit configured for use in conjunction with the amusement device;

FIG. 6B is a left side view of the wall mounting unit of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a rear view of the wall mounting unit of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a front view illustrating the wall mounting unit attached to a side wall of an infant's bed;

FIG. 7B is a rear isometric view of the wall mounting unit of FIG. 7A, attached to another furniture; and

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the amusement device mounted on a ‘pack and play’, the device a supine soothing mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is directed to the drawings, illustrating an infant amusement device assembly generally designated 20 comprising an infant amusement device generally designated 22 and a wall mounting unit generally designated 24, to which the infant amusement device 22 is detachably attachable in various modes of use, as will be discussed herein below.

The infant amusement device 22 comprises a board-like body 28 configured with a first face 32 configured in turn with a first stimulating theme, and a second face 34 configured in turn with a second stimulating theme. The body 28 is further configured with an integrated handle unit generally designated 38.

The body 28 is substantially planar/flat and comprises a rigid though pliable structural element 42 (partially exposed in FIG. 1) e.g. made of PP (Polypropylene). The structural element 42 is fully coated with a comfort layer, such as foamed material 44 rendering it softness (FIG. 1), wherein the structural element 42 and comfort layer 44 are fully enveloped by an external layer made for example of fabric 46, said fabric carrying a different theme on each face of the device, as will be discussed hereinafter.

The first face 32 is configured with a so-called ‘activity theme’ and is thus fitted with a stimulating pattern such as farm images, outdoor images and the like (this can best be seen in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 4 and 8), with several stimulating elements such as a hemisphere 50 comprising several beads, a cellophane-like noise inducing leaf-like elements 52, a moving beetle 54, a window element 56 pivotally displaceable (indicated by arrow a) so that a different image is exposed through a window portion 58 at each angular position, etc.

The second face 34 is configured with a so-called ‘soother theme’ and is thus fitted with a stimulating pattern such as sky images (this can best be seen in FIGS. 2B, 2D, 3 and 5), with several stimulating elements such as a 3D star 60 and a moon 62.

The handle unit 38 is fixedly attached (e.g. by fasteners 68; FIG. 5) to the planar board portion of the device, and is configured for carrying the amusement device 22 and for mounting it on the wall mounting unit 24 at one of several positions exposing as will hereinafter be described.

The handle unit 38 comprises a carrying and mounting handle portion 70 and a pivotal ring 72 to be used at the inclined supine position (FIGS. 2D, 3 and 8). The ring 72 is configured for engagement with a corresponding hook portion 76 of the wall mounting unit 24, such that the amusement device 22 can be retained inclined with the soothing face 34 facing downwards at an infant laying at a supine position. As noted, when the amusement device 22 is at its substantially vertically disposed position, the ring 72 is received within a corresponding groove configured at the handle unit 38.

The hook portion 76 is fitted with a securing hook closure 76′ can normally be disposed at a closed position (FIGS. 6A and 6B), in which it secures the pivotal ring 72 when is fitted on the hook portion 76, as in FIG. 8. The hook closure 76′ can be displaced to an open position (not shown) as indicated by an arrow b in FIG. 6B, so as to allow the pivotal ring 72 to be released from the hook 76.

The hook closure 76′ can be, for example, a spring loaded element or can be closed or fastened with a snap or with other closing arrangement.

The handle unit 38 further comprises, at a back face thereof, a battery compartment 80 (FIG. 5) normally secured by several screws. The handle unit can be provided with a jack for battery recharging (not shown). The handle further comprises a volume control 84 and a mode control 86, so that the amusement device 22 can be used at several positions as discussed below.

In the present example, the second face 34 comprises a soft light illuminator received within the star element 60 and the moon element 62. The light will turn on upon displacing the control 86 to a so-called ‘night position’ (designated NP in FIG. 5). Alternatively, there can be configured a light sensor (not shown) embedded for example in the handle unit 38, wherein at low ambient light condition the illuminating elements will light. This however can be avoided by a manual override switch. According to a particular example, several portions of at least the second face of the device are configured for glowing at darkness. Such a sensor can also induce soothing sounds.

Furthermore, the handle portion 38 is configured with an audio system (speaker 90 noticeable at a front face of handle 38, associated with the first face 32). The audio system comprises several pre-recorded audio themes (e.g. on a chip/printed circuitry or flash memory) and it can be configured for cooperation with an external audio source, e.g. an MP3 player (by a suitable communications jack or transmitted thereto e.g. by Bluetooth, etc.; not shown), or it can comprise a memory card slot (also not shown), etc. The sound can be lullaby melodies or other soft music, or sounds associated with the theme of the first, activity face 32 of the amusement device 22, e.g. sounds of animals, nursery rhymes, etc.

The electronic of the device can be configured with several sensors and controls. For example, volume loudness and ON/OFF switch 84 (FIG. 5). There can also be provided a sound/noise sensor for initiating or terminating a stimulation action (motion, light or sound associated; independently or in combinations). For example, a soothing light and or lullaby melody can spontaneously be activated or terminated, depending on sound, such as child's crying. There can further be provided a remote control unit (not shown), for initiating or terminating or controlling intensity of one or more stimulation actions. Likewise, the electronics of the amusement device can be configured with a timer for initiating or terminating one or more stimulation actions.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, reference is made to the wall mounting unit generally designated 24. At the outset, it is appreciated that the wall mounting unit can be attached to a variety of child locations, such as any child accommodating unit e.g. crib, bed, playpen and the like, or even a vehicle backrest (for amusing a child seated behind it, etc.).

The wall mounting unit 24 comprises at a front face thereof a handle grip 90 configured for snapingly attaching thereto the handle portion 70 of the handle unit 38, said handle grip 90 configured for rotating at least 180° as indicated by arrowed line 92 in FIG. 6A. The handle grip 90 is pivotally attached to the body of the wall mounting unit 24, however with some degree of freedom. According to one particular example, the handle grip 90 can be configured with discrete angular settings, for arresting the infant amusement device 22 at intermediate angular positions.

The wall mounting unit 24 further comprises a clip-like top edge mount 96, having a circular cross-section and configured for clamping engagement over a rounded top edge 98 of a bed/crib/playpen and the like as shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D and 8 (or turned at 90° for mounting on a post). Elasticity and clamping force can be regulated by resilience of the material and respective fasteners (not shown).

When required to attach the infant amusement device assembly 20 to a bed and the like (FIGS. 2A, 2B and 7A), a resting edge 100 of the wall mounting unit 24 is placed over a respective bar or edge 102 of the bed (best seen in FIG. 7B), and is securely fastened by using length adjustable straps 104 as illustrated in FIG. 7B.

The pivotal articulation of the handle portion 70 with the handle grip 90, which by itself is pivotal, facilitates the amusement device for rotation at least 180° about a roll axis, and at least 90° about a pitch axis.

It is thus appreciated that the infant amusement device can be used in several fashions:

An activity mode (FIGS. 2A and 2C), exposing the first face 32 to the infant, at a substantially upright position;

• • A free position (FIG. 4), detached from the wall mounting unit and exposing either face to the infant, in a carry along position (in this position the first face 32 is facing the infant);
  • A soothing position (FIG. 2B), exposing the second face 34 to the infant, at a substantially upright position; and
  • A supine soothing position (FIGS. 2D, 3 and 8), exposing the second face 34 to the infant, at an inclined position above the surface bearing the infant, i.e. easily viewable when the infant is supine.