Abstract:
A device for universally mounting one or more toys or other child or baby engagement devices on and across a variety of structures is provided. In one embodiment, the device comprises a telescoping center bar lockably connectable to adjustable first and second legs. Clamps adapted to be securely fastenable on various non-uniform and/or uniquely shaped and oriented structures comprise a lower end of each leg. Then, means for attaching the toy(s) or other engagement device(s) to the adjustable center bar may be provided. Thus, the device may be fully adjustable in terms of height and width to be adaptable to the particular dimensional requirements of the supportive structure, and the toy(s) or engagement device(s) may be attached in any convenient location or at any convenient angle to the bar. Additionally, the device may be disassembled or collapsed for convenient, low-profile storage.

Description:
GOVERNMENT CONTRACT 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT RE. FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT &amp; TRADEMARK NOTICES 
       [0004]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights and trade dress rights whatsoever. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0005]    The disclosed subject matter relates generally to infant, child, and baby toys and, more particularly, to an apparatus for universally mounting such toys to a variety of structures. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0006]    Sometimes, it is desirable to safely confine toddlers and young children for a period of time. For example, children are typically strapped into car seats while driving, in strollers while walking, in high chairs while eating, and even in playpens or cribs. Babies, toddles, and young children, however, may become restless without distractions when confined to any space. Though they may be given toys to distract them in these situations, it can be difficult to ensure that the toy remains within reach of the child over the course of confinement. Indeed, children are known to throw and drop toys and otherwise make them inaccessible to themselves over the course of confinement. As a result, a variety of mountable toys are known in the art. Indeed, mounting a toy or other device to or near the confining seat may ensure that the toy or other device is within reach to the child at all times during confinement. That is, the child may be prevented from inconveniently throwing or dropping the toy away from the confinement space and the object meant to engage, occupy, or distract the child remains accessible to him or her. 
         [0007]    Some examples of mounted toys include, U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,745 to Harvey et al. for a mountable toy having suspended objects; U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,219 to Klinger et al. teaching an activity cover mountable to an infant safety seat by wrapping around a shield portion of the seat wherein stuffed toys can be detatchably fastened to the cover; U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,088 to Chininis disclosing a toy such as a mobile with a vertical clamping assembly permitting attachment of the toy to various vertical clamping surfaces; U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,285 to Jackson et al. for a dual u-shaped mobile support mountable to a stroller frame via threaded securing screw; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,170 to Pacella et al. for an arched rail with suspended toys that is connectable to a playpen or mat. 
         [0008]    Nonetheless, one deficiency with the proposals has been that they are difficult to securely apply to different types of seats or confining spaces. That is, their unique configurations make them suitable for only a limited type(s) of stroller, or car seat, or high chair, or playpen as the case may be. Another deficiency has been that some of the proposals maintain their shape when not placed in a mounted position, thus making the devices inconvenient to store. 
         [0009]    As such, there remains a need for a mount that is universally securable to a number of different supportive structures that is also capable of achieving a compact and/or low profile for convenient storage. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The present disclosure is directed to low-profile means for universally mounting toys and other devices for occupying, engaging, and/or distracting children when placed in a variety confining seats or other spaces. 
         [0011]    For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested. 
         [0012]    In accordance with one embodiment, a device for universally mounting one or more toys or other devices for occupying, engaging, and even distracting a toddler, baby or child on and across a variety of structures is provided. The device may comprise a center bar that is adjustable to span structures of varying widths. For instance, the bar may comprise slideably nested parts that enable the bar to telescopically lengthen or shorten to accommodate structures defining various unique dimensions. 
         [0013]    Next, the center bar may be securely, but also removably, connectable to adjustable first and second legs. The first and second legs may also be telescopically adjustable, however, it is also contemplated that the first and second legs be adjustable by way of other means. For instance, in some embodiments, the first and second legs may be screwably adjustable so that rotating portions of the first and second legs cause them to shorten or lengthen as desired. Providing adjustable legs in this manner may allow a user to vary the height of the universal mounting device for convenient application to structures of various heights and depths. Indeed, to further support adaptability of the device, it is contemplated that portions of the legs may be lockably jointed so that the angle at which the center bar is connected to the first and second legs is adjustable as well. In some embodiments, locking joints may also allow a user, such as a parent or caregiver, to fold the legs in line with the center bar when the device is not in use so that the device may optionally define a low profile during storage. In some embodiments, portions of the center bar may be slidably or even screwably detatched from one another to enable storage of the device in multiple, low profile pieces. 
         [0014]    Each of the first and second legs may terminate in clamps adapted to be securely fastenable on various non-uniform and/or uniquely shaped and oriented structures. In some embodiments, the clamps may be adjustable band or ratchet type clamps that operate by encircling a supportive surface or object and applying inward pressure thereto. In one embodiment, for example, it may be desirable to secure the universal mount to a stroller for pushing a sitting child. Strollers sometimes feature a guard rail or lap bar. Thus, in accordance with one embodiment, each clamp may forcibly encircle a portion of the guard rail or lap bar to support the center bar across the stroller. In the event that a stroller does not have a guard rail or lap bar, each clamp may forcibly encircle a structural side bar commonly defining stroller construction. 
         [0015]    Of course, a stroller is offered as a supportive surface by way of example only, and not of limitation. The universal toy mount may optionally be applied to various structures, including, but not limited to, high chairs, car seats, play pens, and others. It is contemplated that clamps for securing the universal toy mount to a structure may comprise material such as natural or silicone rubber that is known in the art to grip well and flexibly and ruggedly conform to many chosen shapes. Thus, adjustable clamps may be provided to securely, yet removably, mount the device to various unique surfaces having irregular and/or non uniform cross sections. 
         [0016]    Means for attaching the toy(s) or other engagement device(s) to the adjustable center bar may be provided as a clamp as well. For instance, a toy or other engagement device may be mateably, adhesively, or otherwise secured to a clamp which may then be secured in any desirable position to the center bar. 
         [0017]    As noted above above, any or all of the portions comprising the device for universally mounting a toy or other engagement device may be adjustable. Thus, for example, in one embodiment, a telescoping center bar may be provided to optionally span the width of any child seat or other mounting structure, including without limitation, a car seat, high chair, or play pen, making any mounted or mountable toy optionally accessible to a child safely confined to any one of these structures. Additionally, the legs may be adjustable to lengthen or shorten the height of the telescoping center bar relative to the mounting structure. Finally, any or all of the clamps may be adjusted to permit optional securement of the device to any desirable structure. 
         [0018]    One or more of the above-disclosed embodiments, in addition to certain alternatives, are provided in further detail below with reference to the attached figures. The disclosed subject matter is not, however, limited to any particular embodiment disclosed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a universal toy mount assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of an apparatus for universally mounting toys. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of an apparatus for universally mounting toys according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3B  shows a perspective view of an apparatus for universally mounting toys according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    The disclosed embodiments may be better understood by referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided below. The attached figures are provided as non-limiting examples for providing an enabling description of the method and system claimed. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without some of the details included in order to provide a thorough enabling description of such embodiments. Well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment, the system may comprise an apparatus for universally mounting toys and a structure for mounting the apparatus thereon. For example, in one embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 1 , the structure for mounting the apparatus may be a stroller  10 , sometimes referred to as a carriage or buggy, for securely pushing a baby, toddler or small child. Other structures are contemplated though. For instance, telescoping, clamping, and other features of the apparatus, which will be discussed in greater detail below, may permit the apparatus to mount to and across various other structures such as car seats, high chairs, play pens, and cribs, even where there exist unique models of such structures. For the sake of brevity, the system and apparatus will be discussed with reference to and relative to the exemplary stroller  10  in  FIG. 1 , however, it should be understood that the apparatus may be universally mounted to, for example only and not limitation, any of a variety of uniquely manufactured strollers, high chairs, play pens, or even beds, among others. 
         [0026]    Referring to the stroller  10  in  FIG. 1 , such structures may feature a guard rail  12 , or lap bar, and structural side bars  14 . In some embodiments, the guard rail  12  may be formed as a pivoting or removable tray for supporting items such as a bottle or toy, though here it is illustrated as a simple elongated rail for the purpose of illustration. A universal toy mount  20  is shown to be secured to the stroller  10  from the guard rail  12  so that the mount  20  spans the width of the seat portion  16  of the stroller  10 . Though mounted from the guard rail  12 , it is contemplated that the universal mount may be attached to the chosen structure from any convenient position. Thus, for example, the universal mount  20  may be alternatively mounted across the seat portion  16  by attachment to the structural side bars  14 . The universal mount may even be mounted across the seat portion  16  by attachment at one point to the guard rail  12  and by attachment at another point to a structural side bar  14 . Thus, precise mounting position is not limiting. In fact, the universal toy mount  20  may be releasably secured to a structure according to any convenient position or orientation that a user might desire. 
         [0027]    With more particularity and with reference to  FIG. 2 , the universal mount  20  may comprise a center bar  22  having a first end  23   a  and a second end  23   b.  In some embodiments, the center bar  22  may comprise rugged plastic, silicone, and/or metal materials having portions that slidably nest with one another to enable telescoping. That is, the length of the center bar  22  from first end  23   a  to second end  23   b  may be adjusted by pulling or compressing the ends to optionally lengthen or shorten the bar as desired in order to adaptably span varying widths of child confinement spaces. This may also be achieved, for example, by providing a center bar  22  defined by compressible accordion folds. As another example, this may also be achieved by providing the center bar  22  as a plurality of lengths that may be optionally, screwably secured to one another. Thus, the telescoping capability of the center bar  22  illustrated in the figures is offered by way of example only and not for limitation, and one skilled in the art will recognize that other methods and configurations are available to adjust the size of a bar. 
         [0028]    Next, a first and a second leg  24   a,    24   b  are removably connectable to one each of the first and second ends  23   a,    23   b  of the center bar  22 . In an embodiment, the legs  24   a,    24   b  may be mateably connectable to the first and second ends  23   a,    23   b  of the center bar  22 . In  FIG. 2 , it may be seen that exemplary means for connecting the first and second ends  23   a,    23   b  of the center bar  22  to the legs  24   a,    24   b  may be a screw  26  that is threadably mateable with one each of the first and second ends  23   a,    23   b  of the center bar  22 . 
         [0029]    Additionally, the legs  24   a,    24   b,  may be vertically adjustable so that the height of the universal toy mount  20  relative to the mounting structure may be altered. In some embodiments, the legs  24   a,    24   b  may comprise screwably adjustable portions  30 , however, it is contemplated that the legs  24   a,    24   b  may instead, or additionally, comprise lockably telescoping portions as well. 
         [0030]    Furthermore, it is contemplated that the angle of the center bar  22  with respect to the first and second legs  24   a,    24   b  may be adjusted by way of a lockable joint  28  disposed on each of the first and second legs  24   a,    24   b.  When not in use, the joints  28  may be unlocked to enable folding the legs  24   a,    24   b  in line with the center bar  22  so that the universal toy mount  20  may define a low profile for convenient storage. Of course, it is also contemplated that the legs  24   a ,  24   b  may also be wholly disconnected from the center bar  22  so that the universal toy mount  22  may be stored as separated pieces. 
         [0031]    Even further, a plurality of adjustable clamps may be provided to enable a user, such as a parent or caregiver, to secure the adjustable center bar  22  and legs  24   a,    24   b  in an assembled state, as shown in  FIG. 3A , to a support structure, such as the aforementioned stroller. Thus, in an embodiment, each leg  24   a,    24   b  may terminate in a clamp  32 . It is contemplated that any possible clamp may be used to secure the universal toy mount  20  to a support structure, however, in some embodiments, flexible, notched, band-type clamps are contemplated for their ability to flexibly grip non-uniform or otherwise irregularly shaped objects. As may be seen in  FIG. 3B , for example, clamp  32  may be formed as slidably adjustable and lockable jaws opposing one another to forcibly grip a structure. Natural or synthetic rubber and/or other materials may be provided on portions of the jaws to increase friction, thereby minimizing any risk that the universal toy mount  20  slips from its mounted position during use. Thus, in the even that a user wishes to secure the universal toy mount  20  to different types of support structures, he or she will not be limited by the form of clamp comprising the mount  20 . Indeed, it is contemplated that a band clamp may be wrapped around any convenient portion of a structure, such as an arm rest portion, safety rail, structural support, etc. having any possible cross-sectional shape. Providing the clamps  32  in materials such as rubber, silicone, and others associated with high friction may also improve security of any grip achievable by the clamp, preventing undesirable slipping and rotation while the universal toy mount  20  is in use. Even further, the clamps  32  may be a ratcheting band clamps to enable easy tightening and loosening around the support structure. 
         [0032]    Finally, means for securing  34  a toy and/or other device for engaging or distracting a child is provided and illustrated in each of  FIGS. 1-3 . The means for securing  34  a toy, for example, may be another clamp configured to adjustably grip the center bar  22  of the universal toy mount  20 , which also features means for attaching  36  a toy thereon. For example, in  FIG. 1 , it may be seen that a steering wheel toy  38 , which engages a child by allowing him or her to imagine that he or she is “driving” the stroller  10 . Returning to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the means for attaching  36  may be, in some embodiments, a channel sized to threadably or slideably receive a connector such as a peg  40  or screw, which may in turn be attached to the toy or other engagement device. In other embodiments, the means for attaching may be a suction cup, releasable adhesive, or even opposing hook and loop fasteners. 
         [0033]    Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that the means for securing  34  a toy may be placed anywhere along the center bar  22  and may be adjustably secured at any angle with respect to the center bar  22 , legs  24   a,    24   b,  and even support structure. 
         [0034]    It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. 
         [0035]    Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents. 
       CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
       [0036]    While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, materials comprising the center bar and legs may differ according to various desires for rigidity and ruggedness. In some embodiments, portions of the center bar and legs may even be coated or wrapped with materials such as silicone and vinyl to protect underlying materials and/or enhance comfort for a child engaging with the device. Other aesthetic considerations may also influence the particular appearance of the system and apparatus without affecting the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s). 
         [0037]    The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention. 
         [0038]    Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the system and apparatus for universally mounting toys with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the system and apparatus for universally mounting toys to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed system, method and apparatus. The above description of embodiments of the system and apparatus for universally mounting toys is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage. 
         [0039]    While specific embodiments of, and examples for the system and apparatus are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. 
         [0040]    While certain aspects of the system and apparatus disclosed are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the system and apparatus for universally mounting toys.