Infant entertainment device

Abstract

One aspect of an infant entertainment device involves an entertainment component that moves upon input from an infant. In one embodiment, the entertainment component moves in response to a kicking input from an infant in a supine position. The infant entertainment device includes an input mechanism positioned such that the infant can move the input mechanism by kicking it. The infant entertainment device includes a drive mechanism that converts the movement of the input mechanism into movement of the entertainment component. In one embodiment, the entertainment component is a movable part that moves when the infant kicks the input mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an infant entertainment device, and more particularly, to an infant entertainment device having an entertainment section that can be moved by an infant. Background Technology

[0002] Some traditional baby structures have stationary, non-movable moving parts. Sometimes, these moving toys fail to provide entertainment for babies near traditional baby structures.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an infant entertainment device having a part that can be engaged by an infant in a supine position. There is also a need for an infant entertainment device having a part that moves in response to infant input. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to an infant entertainment device comprising a support member for an infant, a housing located above the support member, an entertainment component rotatably coupled to the housing, the entertainment component being movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, an input mechanism movably supported by the housing, the input mechanism being pivotally mounted and movable between a third position and a fourth position, the input mechanism being located above the support member such that the input mechanism can be kicked by an infant lying on the support member, and a drive mechanism connected to the entertainment component and the input mechanism, wherein movement of the input mechanism from its third position to its fourth position causes the drive mechanism to move the entertainment component from its first position to its second position.

[0005] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a biasing member that engages the input mechanism, and the biasing member applies a force to the input mechanism, causing the input mechanism to move from its fourth position to its third position.

[0006] In another embodiment, the biasing member is a first biasing member, the drive mechanism includes a second biasing member, and each of the first and second biasing members engages the input mechanism.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the housing includes a shaft, an input mechanism rotatably mounted on the shaft, the input mechanism including an engagement portion and a pair of mounting portions coupled to the engagement portion, each of a first biasing member and a second biasing member contacting one of the mounting portions, and each of the mounting portions being rotatably mounted on the shaft.

[0008] In another embodiment, the entertainment component includes an arm and a movable component coupled to the arm at a pivot axis, the movable component being configured to rotate about the pivot axis as the arm moves back and forth, the movable component including a body with its center of gravity offset from the pivot axis, and the movement of the body about the pivot axis being randomized by the offset of the center of gravity from the pivot axis.

[0009] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft has a first gear mounted thereon and is connected to an entertainment component such that movement of the first gear causes rotation of the first shaft and rotation of the entertainment component. The second shaft has a second gear mounted thereon and engages with the first gear such that rotation of the second gear drives the first gear.

[0010] In another embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a third shaft having a clutch member rotatably mounted thereon, the clutch member engaging a second gear, an input mechanism rotatably mounted on the third shaft, and movement of the input mechanism driving the clutch member to rotate about the third shaft, which causes the second gear to rotate.

[0011] In another embodiment, the input mechanism includes a first key member, and the clutch member includes a second key member, which engages with the first key member such that movement of the input mechanism causes movement of the clutch member.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the second gear includes a body having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The body includes an arcuate toothed portion on the first side and a tab extending from the second side. The tab is engaged by a clutch member, and movement of the clutch member drives the tab of the body to rotate the second gear.

[0013] In one embodiment, the clutch component includes a clutch body and a biasing mechanism. The clutch body has a mounting portion and a driving portion. The mounting portion includes the second key component and is mounted on the third axle. The driving portion is coupled to the mounting portion. The biasing mechanism is moved by the driving portion of the clutch body. The biasing mechanism engages the tab of the second gear, and the movement of the biasing mechanism drives the tab and rotates the second gear.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the infant entertainment device includes a support member for an infant, a housing located above the support member, an entertainment component coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, an input mechanism coupled to the housing and movable between a third position and a fourth position, the input mechanism being located above the support member such that the input mechanism can be kicked by an infant lying on the support member, and a drive mechanism connected to the entertainment component and the input mechanism, the drive mechanism including a biasing member, wherein movement of the input mechanism from its third position to its fourth position causes the entertainment component to move from its first position to its second position, and the biasing member biases the input mechanism from its fourth position to its third position, thereby causing the entertainment component to return from its second position to its first position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the input mechanism is pivotally mounted to the housing and located below the housing.

[0016] In another embodiment, the entertainment component is rotatably mounted to the housing and positioned above the housing.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the biasing member is a first biasing member, the drive mechanism includes a second biasing member, and each of the first and second biasing members engages the input mechanism to bias the input mechanism relative to the housing from its fourth position to its third position.

[0018] In another embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a first shaft, a second shaft, and a third shaft. The first shaft has a first gear mounted thereon and is connected to the entertainment component such that movement of the first gear causes rotation of the first shaft and rotation of the entertainment component. The second shaft has a second gear mounted thereon that engages with the first gear such that rotation of the second gear drives the first gear. The third shaft has a clutch member rotatably mounted thereon that engages with the second gear.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the input mechanism is rotatably mounted on a third shaft, and movement of the input mechanism drives the clutch member to rotate about the third shaft, which causes the second gear to rotate. The input mechanism includes a first key member, and the clutch member includes a second key member that engages with the first key member, such that movement of the input mechanism causes movement of the clutch member.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the entertainment component includes an arm and a movable component coupled to the arm at a pivot axis, the movable component being configured to rotate about the pivot axis as the arm moves back and forth, the movable component including a body with its center of gravity offset from the pivot axis, and the movement of the body about the pivot axis being randomized by the offset of the center of gravity from the pivot axis.

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, an infant entertainment device includes a support member for an infant, a housing located above the support member, an entertainment component coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position about a first axis, an input mechanism coupled to the housing and movable between a third position and a fourth position about a second axis, the input mechanism being located above the support member such that the input mechanism can be kicked by an infant lying on the support member, and a drive mechanism connected to the entertainment component and the input mechanism, the drive mechanism including a biasing member, wherein movement of the input mechanism about the second axis from its third position to its fourth position causes the entertainment component to move about the first axis from its first position to its second position, and the biasing member biases the input mechanism from its fourth position to its third position, thereby causing the entertainment component to return from its second position to its first position, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the input mechanism is pivotally mounted to the housing and located below the housing, and the entertainment component is rotatably mounted to the housing and located above the housing.

[0023] In another embodiment, the entertainment component includes an arm and a movable component coupled to the arm at a pivot axis, the movable component being configured to rotate about the pivot axis as the arm moves back and forth, the movable component including a body with its center of gravity offset from the pivot axis, and the movement of the body about the pivot axis being randomized by the offset of the center of gravity from the pivot axis.

[0024] Other systems, apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages will be apparent to or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages are included within the scope of this description and the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The infant entertainment device disclosed herein can be better understood by referring to the following figures and description. It should be understood that some elements in the figures may not be drawn to scale, and the emphasis has been placed on illustrating the principles disclosed herein. Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals denote corresponding parts.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the infant entertainment device according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an infant entertainment device in a first configuration according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 It is in the second configuration according to the present invention Figure 2 A perspective view of the baby entertainment device shown.

[0029] Figure 4 It is in the third configuration according to the present invention Figure 2 A front view of a portion of the baby entertainment device shown.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of some components of another embodiment of the infant entertainment device according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The front view of the component shown.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a front view of some components of another embodiment of the infant entertainment device according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 7The front perspective view of the component shown shows a portion of the housing removed.

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of a portion of the component shown.

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of some components of the drive mechanism of the baby entertainment device shown.

[0036] Figure 11 yes Figure 7 Another perspective view of some components of the drive mechanism of the baby entertainment device shown.

[0037] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of one of the gears in the drive mechanism shown.

[0038] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Another perspective view of the gear shown.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the infant entertainment device according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A side view of a portion of the baby entertainment device shown.

[0041] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A front view of the entertainment section of the baby entertainment device shown.

[0042] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A perspective view of some of the soft parts of the baby entertainment device shown.

[0043] Figure 18 yes Figure 14 An internal view of some components of the baby entertainment device shown.

[0044] Figure 19 yes Figure 14 A top perspective view of some components of the drive mechanism of the baby entertainment device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0045] One aspect of an infant entertainment device involves an entertainment component that moves upon input from an infant. In one embodiment, the entertainment component moves in response to a kicking input from an infant in a supine position. The infant entertainment device includes an input mechanism positioned such that the infant can move the input mechanism by kicking it.

[0046] The baby entertainment device includes a drive mechanism that converts the motion of the input mechanism into the motion of the entertainment component. In one embodiment, the entertainment component is a movable part that moves when the baby kicks the input mechanism.

[0047] Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an infant play device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the infant play device 10 includes a pad 20 on which an infant can be positioned in an infant area 22. In one use of the infant play device 10, the infant can be placed on the pad 20 in a supine position. The infant play device 10 includes a housing or support housing 30, which is held in place relative to the pad 20 by a support member 32. In one embodiment, the support member 32 is a support arm. In another embodiment, two support arms may be present to hold the support housing 30. The support housing 30 is positioned above the pad 20.

[0048] The engaging member 60 is coupled to the support housing 30 and is movable relative to the support housing 30 between different positions. The engaging member 60 is coupled to the support housing 30 via one or more mounting arms 62. In this embodiment, the engaging member 60 is mounted to be movable relative to the support housing 30 about an axis 65.

[0049] Engaging member 60 can be engaged by an infant located in infant area 22. Specifically, an infant in a supine position in infant area 22 on mat 20 can engage the engaging member 60 using the infant's feet. By kicking the engaging member 60, the infant moves the engaging member 60 from position 66 to position 68 relative to support housing 30 about axis 65 in the direction of arrow "A". Support housing 30 includes a biasing member 35 that also engages with engaging member 60. Biasing member 35 is positioned such that it applies a force to engaging member 60, causing engaging member 60 to move from position 68 to position 66 about axis 65 in the direction of arrow "B". Thus, when the infant no longer applies a force to engaging member 60, biasing member 35 moves engaging member 60 back to its initial position 66. In different embodiments, biasing member 35 can be a force-applying mechanism, such as a compression spring.

[0050] The infant entertainment device 10 includes an output member 40 movably supported by a housing 30. The output member 40 may also be referred to as an entertainment component. The output member 40 is positioned such that it is visible to an infant located in the infant area 22. A mounting arm 42 supports the output member 40 relative to the housing 30. In one embodiment, an attachment 50 is coupled to the output member 40. The attachment 50 may be fixedly or movably coupled to the output member 40. In embodiments where the attachment 50 is movably coupled to the output member 40, movement of the output member 40 causes additional movement of the attachment 50 relative to the output member 40, thereby increasing visual stimulation to the infant on the pad 20.

[0051] The infant entertainment device 10 includes a drive mechanism connected to an engaging member 60 and an output member 40. Different embodiments of the drive mechanism are described in detail below. Movement of the engaging member 60 causes the drive mechanism to move the output member 40. In this embodiment, when the engaging member 60 moves from position 66 to position 68, the output member 40 can move from position 46 to position 48 about axis 45 in the direction of arrow "C". When the engaging member 60 moves from position 68 to position 66 due to the biasing member 35, the output member 40 moves from position 48 to position 46 about axis 45 in the direction of arrow "D".

[0052] Go to Figure 2 The image shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an infant entertainment device in a first configuration. In this embodiment, the infant entertainment device 100 is shown in a first configuration 102. The infant entertainment device 100 includes a support member or pad 110 defining a support area or infant area 112 on which an infant can be placed. The infant can be placed in the area 112 on the pad 110 in a supine position or orientation.

[0053] The infant play device 100 also includes a housing 120 connected to support arms 122 and 124, which are coupled to a pad 110. The lower ends of arms 122 and 124 can engage openings in the pad 110, holding the lower ends of arms 122 and 124 in a fixed position relative to the pad 110. A pair of arms 152 and 154 supporting a connecting member 150 are also coupled to the housing 120. Arms 152 and 154 are pivotally mounted relative to the housing 120. When an infant (not shown) contacts the engaging surface 156 of the connecting member 150, for example, through a kicking surface 156, the connecting member 150, as well as arms 152 and 154, pivots relative to the housing 120.

[0054] Housing 120 includes an upper portion or upper housing 126 to which an entertainment mechanism or entertainment component 130 is movably coupled. The entertainment component 130 is a head-mounted movable component. In this embodiment, the entertainment component 130 includes a plurality of arms 132, 134, and 136 having attachments 140, 142, and 144 coupled thereto. The entertainment component 130 is rotatable about axis 135 in the direction of arrow "C" and also in the direction of arrow "D". When the engaging member 150 is moved by the infant, a drive mechanism connected to the engaging member 150 causes the entertainment component 130 to rotate about axis 135.

[0055] Go to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The infant entertainment device 100 is shown in alternative configurations 104 and 106, respectively. In configuration 104 (see...) Figure 3 In configuration 106, arm 132 and accessory 140 have been separated from upper housing 126 and mounted into base 133 located on one side of pad 110. Figure 4 In the case of the upper housing 126, arm 132 and accessory 140 are the only items that are mounted on the upper housing 126.

[0056] Go to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows perspective and front views of some components of another embodiment of the baby entertainment device according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the support housing of the baby entertainment device includes a gearbox housing 190 defining a cavity 192. Engaged to the gearbox housing 190 is an arm 132, which rotates about an axis in the direction of arrow "F". The arm 132 can also rotate in the opposite direction of arrow "F".

[0057] Furthermore, the input mechanism 200 is movably coupled to the gearbox housing 190. In this embodiment, the input mechanism 200 includes an input member 220 that can be engaged by a baby, for example, by a baby kicking the input member 220. The input member 220 has an engagement member or engagement portion 230 having an engagement surface 232. A mounting portion 240 extends from the engagement portion 230 and is rotatably coupled to the gearbox housing 190. In this embodiment, the mounting portion includes a pair of mounting arms 250 and 260 defining a gap or space 270 therebetween. The gearbox housing 190 extends into the gap 270 and includes a shaft 280 extending therefrom.

[0058] Mounting arm 250 includes a sleeve 252 having a channel extending therethrough. Similarly, mounting arm 260 includes a sleeve 262 having a channel 264 extending therethrough. Shaft 280 extends through the channels in sleeves 252 and 262. When shaft 280 rotates, sleeves 252 and 262, as well as mounting arms 250 and 260, rotate together with shaft 280. Therefore, when a force is applied to engagement surface 232 in the direction of arrow "E", input member 220 and shaft 280 rotate accordingly.

[0059] refer to Figure 6 Gear 282 is mounted on shaft 280. When shaft 280 rotates, gear 282 also rotates. The drive mechanism includes shaft 290, on which gear 292 is mounted. The teeth of gear 292 engage with the teeth of gear 282. As a result, when gear 282 rotates, gear 292 and shaft 290 also rotate. Although in this exemplary embodiment gear 282 is a crown gear and gear 292 is a bevel gear, in other embodiments, the type of gear and its relative dimensions may vary.

[0060] The drive mechanism also includes one or more biasing members that apply force to the rear surface of the input member 220 to move the input member 220 about axis 280 in the direction opposite to arrow "E". Although biasing members are present on the back side of each of the mounting arms 250 and 260, in Figure 5 Only the biasing member 296 is shown. The engagement portion 230 is spring-biased back to its initial or default position by the biasing member 296.

[0061] Go to Figure 7-12 This illustrates several components of an alternative embodiment of the infant entertainment device according to the present invention. First, refer to... Figure 7 and Figure 8 Only a portion of the support housing, support arm, drive mechanism, and input mechanism is shown. The outer or front portion of the support housing has been removed to expose the internal components. The baby entertainment device 300 includes a support housing 305 and an input mechanism 310 movably coupled to the support housing 305. The input mechanism 310 includes an engagement portion 320 having an engagement surface 322. The engagement surface 322 can be engaged by a baby, for example, by kicking.

[0062] The input mechanism 310 is coupled to two arms 330 and 340, which are rotatably mounted relative to the support housing 305. Arms 330 and 340 may alternatively be referred to as mounting portions. Arm 330 includes a sleeve 332 and a blade portion 336 extending upward therefrom. Similarly, arm 340 includes a sleeve 342 and a blade portion 346 extending upward therefrom. The sleeve 332 is located in a recess formed in a mounting member or flange 430 located in the support housing. Similarly, the sleeve 342 is located in a recess formed in a mounting member or flange 440 located in the support housing.

[0063] In this embodiment, two biasing members 600 and 610 engage the front surfaces of blade portions 336 and 346 to bias blade portions 336 and 346 toward the rear of the support housing. Figure 7 In the diagram, the front cover or front housing portion 410 of the gearbox housing 400 is shown as covering the gears of the drive mechanism. (Go to...) Figure 8 The front cover 410 has been removed, exposing the drive mechanism 500 and several components of the rear cover or rear housing portion 420. The biasing members 600 and 610, and their relative positions in contact with the blade portions 336 and 346 respectively, are... Figure 8 As shown in the diagram. Mounting elements or flanges 430 and 440, and sleeves 332 and 342 of arms 330 and 340 can also be seen.

[0064] In the gearbox housing 400, shaft 510 extends vertically and includes a gear 520 mounted thereon. Additionally, shaft 530 extends horizontally and includes a gear 540 mounted thereon. The drive mechanism 500 also includes an additional shaft 535 having a clutch 560 mounted thereon. As described in more detail below, clutch 560 engages with gear 540 and drives gear 540 to rotate about an axis defined by the longitudinal axis of shaft 530.

[0065] When the infant engages the surface 322 of the engagement portion 320, the movement of the engagement portion 320 causes the arms 330 and 340 to move about an axis defined by the longitudinal axis of the shaft 535. The sleeve 342 engages with the clutch 560 such that when the sleeve 342 rotates, the clutch 560 also rotates. When the clutch 560 engages with the gear 540, the rotation of the clutch 560 causes the gear 540 and the shaft 530 to rotate. When the gear 540 rotates, it causes the gear 520 and the shaft 510 to rotate as well. The shaft 510 is connected to another gear that drives the amusement component of the infant amusement device.

[0066] Go to Figure 9 , showed Figure 7The image shows a rear perspective view of a portion of some of the components. In this view, a front housing portion 410 and a rear housing portion 420 forming the gearbox housing 400 are shown. The front housing portion 410 and the rear housing portion 420 define an opening 435 between them. A clutch 560 extends through the opening 435 and includes a key member 566, which in this embodiment is a tab.

[0067] As shown in the figure, the sleeve 342 of the arm 340 includes a key member 344, which is a notch in this embodiment. The key member 344 receives a key member 566, which causes rotation of the sleeve 342, thereby also rotating the clutch 560. The blade portion 346 extends from the sleeve 342.

[0068] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a perspective view of some components of the drive mechanism 500 of the baby entertainment device, and Figure 12 and Figure 13 This is a perspective view of gear 540. As shown, gear 520, having teeth 522, is mounted to shaft 510 and rotates therewith. Gear 540 is mounted to shaft 530 and rotates therewith. Gear 540 includes a body 542 having a first side 544 and an opposing second side 546 (see...). Figure 13 Extending from side 544 is a tab 550. A tooth 548 extends from side 546 and engages with the tooth 522 of gear 520. In this embodiment, the tooth 548 is formed to a precise shape. A sleeve 552 also extends from side 546 and has a channel 554 through which a shaft 530 extends.

[0069] Clutch 560 includes clutch body 562, which has mounting portion 564 mounted on shaft 535. Key member 566 extends in a direction away from mounting portion 564. Extending from mounting portion 564 is drive portion 568 that engages with biasing mechanism or biasing member 570.

[0070] In this embodiment, the biasing mechanism 570 is a torsion spring having a coiled portion 572 with two extending ends 574 and 576. End 574 extends through a hole 569 formed in the drive portion 568. The gear 540 also includes a collar 556 (see...). Figure 11 The collar 556 defines a receiving portion for the biasing mechanism 570. Located inside the collar 556 is a shorter collar 558, which extends into the central opening of the coiled portion 572 of the biasing mechanism 570.

[0071] refer to Figure 14-19 An alternative embodiment of the infant entertainment device according to this disclosure is shown. (Reference) Figure 14-16The image shows a perspective view of an infant entertainment device 700. The infant entertainment device 700 includes a base 710, and two support members or support lines 712 and 714 extending from the base 710 to support a housing 716 therebetween. An engagement portion 720 is movably coupled to the housing 716, and the engagement portion 720 is positioned such that it can be engaged by an infant located near the infant entertainment device 700. When the infant engages the engagement portion 720, for example by kicking the engagement portion 720 with the infant's foot, the engagement portion 720 causes the drive mechanism of the infant entertainment device 700 to move an entertainment portion 730 relative to the housing 716.

[0072] In this embodiment, the entertainment section 730 includes a pivoting mounting arm 740 that reciprocates relative to the housing 716. For example... Figure 14 As shown, arm 740 has a driven end 742 and a free end or distal end 744 opposite to the driven end 742. Arm 740 is coupled to housing 716, and in this embodiment, its driven end 742 is disposed within housing 716. The driven end 742 moves reciprocally or back and forth about pivot axis 745 in the direction of arrow "G". As the driven end 742 moves back and forth about pivot axis 745, the free end 744 of arm 740 also swings back and forth about pivot axis 745. Given that the free end 744 is spaced apart from the driven end 742 and is located at the end of arm 740 opposite to the driven end 742, the distance the free end 744 moves is much greater than the distance the driven end 742 rotates.

[0073] like Figures 14 to 16 As shown, a movable component 750 is coupled to the free end 744 of the pivoting mounting arm 740. The movable component 750 includes several coupled display portions 760, 762, 764, and 766. In this embodiment, the free end 744 includes a housing 746 defining a through-hole that pivotally receives a mounting post extending from the movable component 750 to pivotally couple the movable component 750 to the arm 740. The display portions 760, 762, 764, and 766 are configured such that they extend outward from the movable component 750 and relative to each other. Because the movable component 750 is coupled to the distal end 744 of the arm 740, as the arm 740 swings back and forth, the movable component 750 will rotate relative to the arm 740, thereby causing the display portions 760, 762, 764, and 766 to move or rotate relative to the arm 740 and the movable component 750.

[0074] refer to Figure 16 The moving component 750 includes a body 752 having an upper portion 754 and a lower portion 756. The body 752 is rotatably mounted to the distal end 744 of the arm 740 and pivots freely about a pivot axis 755 in the direction of arrow "H". In several embodiments, the weight of the body 752 or the center of gravity of the body 752 deviates from the pivot axis 755. In this embodiment, the center of gravity is represented by 758, which is located at... Figure 16 The distance “L” from the pivot axis is indicated by 755.

[0075] Return to reference Figure 14 and 15 When the driven end 742 of arm 740 moves back and forth about the pivot axis 745 in the direction of arrow "G", the distal end 744 of arm 740 also rotates back and forth. The pivotal connection between the distal end 744 and the moving part 750 allows the body 752 to rotate or swing back and forth about the pivot axis 755 in the direction of arrow "H". As mentioned above, the distance that the distal end 744 of arm 740 moves back and forth is greater than the distance that the driven end 742 of arm 740 moves. The movement of the distal end 744 causes the body 752 to swing back and forth. Due to the weight of the body 752 being offset from the pivot axis 755, and depending on its position, the back and forth movement of the body 752 can sometimes cause the body 752 to whip around the pivot axis 755 and perform one or more complete rotations around the pivot axis 755. Based on the weight of the body 752 or the distance "L" that the center of gravity is offset from the pivot axis 755, the movement of the body 752 can be inconsistent and random.

[0076] The weight or center of gravity 758 of the toy can be offset from the pivot axis 755 due to the shape and construction of the body 752; that is, the pivot axis 755 is positioned closer to the upper end of the body 752 than to its lower end. The movement of the body 752 can be adjusted by changing the position of its center of gravity 758, particularly by the distance "L". In an alternative embodiment, the weight can be attached to the body 752 at different locations, thereby altering the movement pattern of the center of gravity 758 and the body 752. Alternatively, the weight can be slidably mounted to the body 752, making its position relative to the pivot axis 755 adjustable.

[0077] Go to Figure 17 The figure shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the entertainment section 730. As shown, the soft cover 770 is connected to the display sections 760, 762, 764 and 766. Figure 17 (Not shown in the image), showing portions 760, 762, 764 and 766 providing support for the soft covering 770.

[0078] Go to Figure 18 and Figure 19 The diagram shows some components of the drive mechanism of the infant entertainment device 700. The drive mechanism includes a shaft 810 coupled to an arm 740. Rotation of the shaft 810 causes the arm 740 to rotate. A gear 820 is mounted on the shaft 810 to rotate therewith, and the gear 820 has teeth 822 surrounding its periphery. The drive mechanism includes a gear 840 having a body 842, the body 842 having teeth 848 arranged along an arcuate portion of the body 842. Figure 19As shown, gear 840 is mounted to shaft 835 and is rotatable about shaft 835. The drive mechanism includes a clutch 860 having a mounting portion 864 and a drive portion 868. When the infant pushes the engagement portion 720, the mounting portion 864 rotates together with shaft 835. As a result, the rotation of the mounting portion 864 causes the drive portion 868 to move, which in turn moves gear 840 via a biasing mechanism that engages both drive portion 868 and gear 840.

[0079] In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals always denote like parts, and wherein illustrative embodiments that can be practiced are shown. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the foregoing detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0080] Various aspects of this disclosure are disclosed in the description herein. Alternative embodiments and equivalent embodiments of this disclosure may be designed without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. It should be noted that any discussion herein with reference to “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” or similar phrases indicates that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and such a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may not necessarily be included in every embodiment. Furthermore, references to the foregoing do not necessarily include references to the same embodiment. Finally, whether explicitly described or not, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that each of the particular features, structures, or characteristics of a given embodiment may be used in combination with features, structures, or characteristics of any other embodiment discussed herein.

[0081] For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "A and / or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0082] While the apparatus and methods presented herein have been shown and described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, they are not intended to be limited to the details shown, as it will be apparent that various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention and within the scope and range of the equivalents of the claims. For example, the infant locator or infant support structure / device proposed herein may be modified to include any number of upright frame members, seat supports, interactive components, interactive parts, interactive elements, etc. Furthermore, the infant locator or infant support structure / device proposed herein may be modified to resemble any other structure, device, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, various features from one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. That is, it is believed that the foregoing disclosure can cover multiple different inventions having independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. The subject matter of this invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. Therefore, it is appropriate that the appended claims be interpreted broadly and in accordance with the scope of this disclosure set forth in the appended claims.

[0084] It should also be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “next,” “surface,” and so on, as may be used herein, describe reference points only and do not limit the invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe examples or illustrations. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary should not be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as an example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention. Additionally, it should be understood that the baby locator or baby support structure / device described herein, and any part thereof, can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastics, metals, composite materials, and their derivatives and combinations thereof.

[0085] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are synonymous. When used herein, the term “comprising” and its derivatives (e.g., “including”, etc.) should not be construed as having an exclusionary meaning; that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the described and defined content may include additional elements, steps, etc. Similarly, in any description of an element “a” or “first” or its equivalent, such disclosure should be understood to include a combination of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Meanwhile, when used herein, the term “about” and its family of terms (such as “approximately”, etc.) should be understood to indicate values ​​very close to those accompanying the foregoing term. That is, deviations from precise values ​​within reasonable limits should be accepted, as those skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from the indicated values ​​are unavoidable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. This also applies to the terms “about,” “approximately,” “roughly,” and “substantially.”

Claims

1. A baby entertainment device, comprising: Support components for infants; A housing, positioned above the supporting member; An entertainment component, rotatably coupled to the housing, the entertainment component being movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position; An input mechanism, movably supported by the housing, pivotally mounted and movable between a third and a fourth position, positioned above the support member such that the input mechanism can be kicked by an infant lying on the support member; and A drive mechanism connected to an entertainment component and an input mechanism, wherein movement of the input mechanism from its third position to its fourth position causes the drive mechanism to move the entertainment component from its first position to its second position.

2. The infant entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism includes a biasing member engaging the input mechanism, and the biasing member applies a force to the input mechanism such that the input mechanism moves from its fourth position to its third position.

3. The infant entertainment device of claim 2, wherein the biasing member is a first biasing member, the drive mechanism includes a second biasing member, and each of the first biasing member and the second biasing member engages the input mechanism.

4. The baby entertainment device of claim 3, wherein the housing includes a shaft, the input mechanism is rotatably mounted on the shaft, the input mechanism includes an engagement portion and a pair of mounting portions coupled to the engagement portion, each of the first biasing member and the second biasing member contacts one of the mounting portions, and each of the mounting portions is rotatably mounted on the shaft.

5. The infant entertainment device of claim 1, wherein the entertainment component comprises an arm and a movable component coupled to the arm at a pivot axis, the movable component being configured to rotate about the pivot axis as the arm moves back and forth, the movable component comprising a body with its center of gravity offset from the pivot axis, and the movement of the body about the pivot axis being randomized by the offset of its center of gravity from the pivot axis.

6. The infant entertainment device according to claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises: A first shaft having a first gear mounted thereon, the first shaft being connected to the entertainment component such that movement of the first gear causes rotation of the first shaft and rotation of the entertainment component; and A second shaft has a second gear mounted thereon, which engages with the first gear such that rotation of the second gear drives the first gear.

7. The infant entertainment device according to claim 6, wherein the drive mechanism comprises: A third shaft having a clutch member rotatably mounted thereon, the clutch member engaging with the second gear, an input mechanism rotatably mounted on the third shaft, and movement of the input mechanism driving the clutch member to rotate about the third shaft, which causes the second gear to rotate.

8. The infant entertainment device of claim 7, wherein the input mechanism includes a first key member, and the clutch member includes a second key member, the second key member engaging with the first key member such that movement of the input mechanism causes movement of the clutch member.

9. The infant entertainment device of claim 8, wherein the second gear comprises a body having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the body including an arcuate tooth portion on the first side and a tab extending from the second side, the tab being engaged by the clutch member, and movement of the clutch member driving the tab of the body to rotate the second gear.

10. The infant entertainment device according to claim 9, wherein the clutch component comprises: Clutch body, the clutch body having: The mounting portion includes the second key component, the mounting portion being mounted on the third shaft, and The drive section is connected to the mounting section; and A biasing mechanism, wherein the biasing mechanism is moved by the drive portion of the clutch body, the biasing mechanism engages the tab of the second gear, and the movement of the biasing mechanism drives the tab and causes the second gear to rotate.

11. An infant entertainment device, comprising: Support components for infants; A housing, positioned above the supporting member; An entertainment component, which is coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position; An input mechanism, which is coupled to the housing and is movable between a third position and a fourth position, is located above the support member so that it can be kicked by an infant lying on the support member; and A drive mechanism connected to an entertainment component and an input mechanism includes a biasing member, wherein movement of the input mechanism from its third position to its fourth position causes the entertainment component to move from its first position to its second position, and the biasing member biases the input mechanism from its fourth position to its third position, thereby causing the entertainment component to return from its second position to its first position.

12. The baby entertainment device of claim 11, wherein the input mechanism is pivotally mounted to the housing and located below the housing.

13. The infant entertainment device of claim 12, wherein the entertainment component is rotatably mounted to the housing and located above the housing.

14. The infant entertainment device of claim 11, wherein the biasing member is a first biasing member, the drive mechanism includes a second biasing member, and each of the first biasing member and the second biasing member engages the input mechanism to bias the input mechanism relative to the housing from its fourth position to its third position.

15. The infant entertainment device of claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism comprises: A first shaft having a first gear mounted thereon, the first shaft being connected to the entertainment component such that movement of the first gear causes rotation of the first shaft and rotation of the entertainment component; A second shaft has a second gear mounted thereon, which engages with the first gear such that rotation of the second gear drives the first gear. and A third shaft having a clutch member rotatably mounted thereon, and the clutch member engaging with the second gear.

16. The infant entertainment device of claim 15, wherein the input mechanism is rotatably mounted on the third shaft, and movement of the input mechanism drives the clutch member to rotate about the third shaft, which causes the second gear to rotate, the input mechanism including a first key member, the clutch member including a second key member, and the second key member engaging with the first key member such that movement of the input mechanism causes movement of the clutch member.

17. The infant entertainment device of claim 11, wherein the entertainment component comprises an arm and a movable component coupled to the arm at a pivot axis, the movable component being configured to rotate about the pivot axis as the arm moves back and forth, the movable component comprising a body with its center of gravity offset from the pivot axis, and the movement of the body about the pivot axis being randomized by the offset of its center of gravity from the pivot axis.

18. A baby entertainment device, comprising: Support components for infants; A housing, positioned above the supporting member; An entertainment component, the entertainment component being coupled to the housing and movable relative to the housing about a first axis between a first position and a second position; An input mechanism is coupled to the housing and movable between a third and a fourth position about a second axis, the input mechanism being positioned above the support member such that it can be kicked by an infant lying on the support member; and A drive mechanism connected to the entertainment component and the input mechanism includes a biasing member, wherein movement of the input mechanism about a second axis from its third position to its fourth position causes the entertainment component to move about a first axis from its first position to its second position, and the biasing member biases the input mechanism from its fourth position to its third position, thereby causing the entertainment component to return from its second position to its first position, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

19. The baby entertainment device of claim 18, wherein the input mechanism is pivotally mounted to the housing and located below the housing, and the entertainment component is rotatably mounted to the housing and located above the housing.

20. The infant entertainment device of claim 18, wherein the entertainment component includes an arm and a movable component coupled to the arm at a pivot axis, the movable component being configured to rotate about the pivot axis as the arm moves back and forth, the movable component including a body with its center of gravity offset from the pivot axis, and the movement of the body about the pivot axis being randomized by the offset of the center of gravity from the pivot axis.

Images