Patent Publication Number: US-8968110-B2

Title: Free-standing jumping device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/762,473, filed on 19 Apr. 2010 and entitled “Free-Standing Jumping Device”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/403,192, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,727,076, filed on 13 Apr. 2006 and entitled “Free-Standing Jumping Device”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/209,036, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,644, filed on 23 Aug. 2005 and entitled “Free-Standing Jumping Device”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/772,338, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,709, filed 6 Feb. 2004 and entitled “Free-Standing Jumping Device”. The disclosure of each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates generally to children&#39;s activity toys, and more particularly to children&#39;s jumpers and free-standing jumpers. 
     Swings, jumpers, bouncers and other similar devices are typically used to keep a child entertained and stimulated in a safe location. Additionally, such devices also provide an environment that promotes the development of a child&#39;s gross motor skills Known jumpers, however, are often inconvenient to use, difficult to store, and not adjustable to accommodate children of different sizes. 
     For example, some known jumpers can be suspended from an available structure, such as a doorframe. Such known jumpers, however, can impede movement of others through the doorway. Additionally, suitable doorframes are not always available or convenient. Moreover, such devices may not provide the level of security desired by some caretakers. Other known jumpers include a support frame from which a seat is suspended. Such known jumpers can be difficult to adjust to accommodate children of different sizes. 
     Thus, there is a need for a device that can be easily stored and moved. Also, a need exists for a jumper that is free-standing with a stable base and that is easily adjustable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Children&#39;s jumping apparatuses are described herein. In one embodiment an apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes multiple sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first one of the sleeves and to be coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second one of the sleeves, the second sleeve being different from the first sleeve. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are schematic illustrations of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention in a first position and a second position, respectively. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  are schematic illustrations of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention in a first position and a second position, respectively. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a plan view of the child support portion of the jumping device illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view taken along section B-B of the of the jumping device illustrated in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of a resilient member of the jumping device shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an end portion of a resilient member of the jumping device illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a resilient member of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along section A-A of of the jumping device illustrated in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  are cross-sectional views taken along section A-A of the jumping device illustrated in  FIG. 4A  showing the operation of the adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of an attachment portion of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a cross-sectional view taken along section A-A of the attachment portion of the jumping device illustrated in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of an attachment portion of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the retainer illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of an attachment portion of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of an attachment portion of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of a jumping device having a support frame having three frame portions according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of the region marked  15 B of the jumping device illustrated in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIGS. 16A-16D  are schematic plan view illustrations of a support frame according to an embodiment of the invention in various different positions. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a portion of the jumping device illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a portion of a support frame of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of a jumping device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a plan view of a portion of the jumping device illustrated in  FIG. 20 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Children&#39;s jumping apparatuses are described herein. In one embodiment an apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes a set sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first sleeve from the set of sleeves and to be coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame. In this manner, a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second sleeve from the set sleeves, the second sleeve being different from the first sleeve. 
     In some embodiments, the second end portion of the resilient member includes a set of sleeves and the seat includes an attachment portion having a top surface and a bottom surface. The attachment portion of the seat defines an opening between the top surface and the bottom surface. The second end portion of the resilient member is configured to be disposed within the opening such that at least one sleeve is disposed below the bottom surface. The retainer is configured to be removably coupled to the bottom surface of the attachment portion. In this manner, the position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing a portion of the retainer within the desired sleeve. 
     In some embodiments, the first end portion of the resilient member includes a set of sleeves and the support frame includes an attachment member having a first surface and a second surface. The attachment member defines an opening between the first surface and the second surface. The first end portion of the resilient member is configured to be disposed within the opening such that at least one sleeve is disposed adjacent the first surface. The retainer is configured to be removably coupled to the first surface of the attachment member. In this manner, the position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing a portion of the retainer within the desired sleeve. 
     In yet other embodiments, an apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes a set of sleeves, each defining an opening therein. The central portion of the resilient member is configured to cooperate with the support frame. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the central portion of the resilient member is configured to be disposed within a portion of the support frame. The seat is configured to be coupled to the first end portion of the resilient member and the second end portion of the resilient member such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first sleeve from the set of sleeves and to be coupled to the seat. In this manner, a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second sleeve from the set of sleeves. 
     In yet other embodiments, an apparatus includes a seat, a support frame, a resilient member and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes a set of sleeves, each defining an opening therein. The first end portion and the second end portion are configured to be coupled to the support frame while the central portion is configured to be coupled to the seat such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first sleeve from the plurality of sleeves and coupled to the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second sleeve from the plurality of sleeves. 
     In yet other embodiments, an apparatus includes a support frame, a first resilient member, a second resilient member, a child support member and a seat. The support frame has a first and a second A-shaped frame portion, each having a first leg, a second leg and an apex. The second A-shaped frame portion is spaced laterally from the first A-shaped frame portion. The support frame has a ground-engaging portion configured to be coupled to each of the first and the second A-shaped frame portions. The first resilient member has a first end portion coupled to at least one of the first leg and the second leg of the first frame portion substantially spaced beneath the apex of the first frame portion and a second end portion opposite from the first end portion. The second resilient member has a first end portion coupled to at least one of the first leg and the second leg of the second frame portion substantially spaced beneath the apex of the second frame portion and a second end portion opposite from the first end portion. The child support member is configured to be coupled to the second end portion of the first resilient member and the second end portion of the second resilient member such that the child support member is suspended from the first frame portion and the second frame portion by the resilient members. The seat is rotatably coupled to the child support member. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are schematic illustrations of a jumping device  100  according to an embodiment of the invention in a first position and a second position, respectively. The illustrated jumping device  100  includes a support frame  130 , a resilient member  170 , a child support member  110  and a retainer  192 . The resilient member  170  has a first end portion  171  and a second end portion  172  coupled to the child support member  110 . The first end portion  171  of the resilient member  170  includes a set of sleeves  174 . The retainer  192 , a portion of which is disposed within a sleeve from the set of sleeves  174 , is coupled to an overhead member  136  of the support frame  130 . In this manner, the first end portion  171  of the resilient member  170  is coupled to the support frame  130  such that the child support member  110  is suspended from the support frame  130 . The position of the child support member  110  relative to the support frame  130  can be selectively adjusted by disposing the portion of the retainer  192  within a different sleeve from the set of sleeves  174 . For example, depending on the sleeve in which the retainer  192  is disposed, the length of the resilient member  170  can be effectively shortened, thereby raising the position of the child support member  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . Conversely, by selecting a different sleeve from the set of sleeves  174 , the length of the resilient member  170  can be effectively lengthened, thereby lowering the position of the child support member  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1B . In this manner, the jumping device  100  can be reconfigured to accommodate children of varying ages and sizes. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  are schematic illustrations of a jumping device  200  according to an embodiment of the invention in a first position and a second position, respectively. The illustrated jumping device  200  includes a support frame  230 , two resilient members  270 , a child support member  210  and two retainers  292 . Each of the resilient members  270  has a first end portion  271  and a second end portion  272 . The first end portion  271  of each resilient member  270  is coupled to an upright portion  244  of the support frame  230 . The second end portion  272  of each resilient member  270  includes a set of sleeves  274 . A portion of each of the retainers  292  is disposed within a sleeve from the set of sleeves  274  and is coupled to the child support member  210 . In this manner, the second end portion  272  of each resilient member  270  is coupled to the child support member  210  such that the child support member  210  is suspended from the upright portions  244  of the support frame  230 . The position of the child support member  210  relative to the support frame  230  is selectively adjustable by disposing the portion of each retainer  292  within a different sleeve from the set of sleeves  274  in each resilient member  270 , as described above. For example, the length of the resilient members  270  can be effectively shortened, thereby raising the position of the child support member  210 , as shown in  FIG. 2B . Conversely, the length of the resilient members  270  can be effectively lengthened, thereby lowering the position of the child support member  210 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIGS. 3-6  and  8  illustrate a jumping device  300  according to an embodiment of the invention that includes a support frame  330 , three resilient members  370 , a child support member  310  and at least one retainer  392  (see  FIG. 8 ). Each of the resilient members  370  has a first end portion  371  and a second end portion  372 . The first end portion  371  of each resilient member  370  is coupled to the support frame  330 . The second end portion  372  of each resilient member  370  includes a set of sleeves  374  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). A portion of each retainer  392  is disposable within a sleeve from the set of sleeves  374  (see  FIG. 8 ). Each retainer is coupled to the child support member  310 , thereby coupling the second end portion  372  of each resilient member  370  to the child support member  310  such that the child support member  310  is suspended from the support frame  330 . As discussed herein, the position of the child support member  310  relative to the support frame  330  is selectively adjustable by disposing the portion of each retainer  392  within a different sleeve from the set of sleeves  374  in each resilient member  370 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the support frame  330  includes three upright members  331  removably coupled together by a series of connectors  352 . Each of the upright members  331  includes a base portion  332  and two upright portions  344 . The upright members  331  can be constructed of aluminum, steel, plastic or any other suitable material. The connectors  352  can be, for example, plastic clips configured to be removably coupled to a portion of the upright portion  344  of adjacent upright members  331 . In some embodiments, the connectors  352  are configured to be fixedly coupled to the upright portion  344  of one upright member  331  while removably coupled to the upright portion  344  of the adjacent upright member  331  via an interference fit. In this manner, when the jumping device  300  is disassembled, the connectors  352  remain connected to one upright member  331 , thereby preventing them from being misplaced. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of the resilient members  370  has a first end portion  371  and a second end portion  372 . The first end portion  371  of each resilient member  370  is coupled to the upright portion  344  of an upright member  331  by an attachment member  350 . In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment members  350  can also act as connectors  352  to couple the upright portions  344  of adjacent upright members  331 . In other embodiments, the attachment members  350  are distinct from the connectors  352 . In yet other embodiments, the attachment members  350  are not separate components, but rather, are integral to the upright portions  344  of the upright members  331 . In some embodiments the first end portion  371  is fixedly attached to the attachment member  350 . For example, the first end portion  371  can be molded into a portion of the attachment member  350 . In other embodiments, the first end portion  371  is removably attached to the attachment member  350 . For example, the first end portion  371  of the resilient member  370  can be coupled to the attachment member  350  by a fastener, an elastic strap, or by a sleeve-and-retainer combination. 
     The child support member  310  includes a tray portion  308  and a seat  306 . The second end portion  372  of each resilient member  370  is coupled to the child support member  310  such that the child support member  310  is suspended from the support frame  330 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the seat  306  is coupled to and supported by the tray portion  308 . The seat  306  includes a padded material  305  suitable for comfortable seating of a child and a seat frame  307  that supports the padded material  305 . The padded material  305  is removably coupled to the seat frame  307  by a series of fasteners  304 , such as snaps or buttons. In this manner the padded material  305  can be easily removed for cleaning. 
     In some embodiments, the seat  306  is rotatably coupled to the tray portion  308  to allow a child to freely spin while positioned in the seat  306 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rotational coupling is accomplished, for example, by disposing a set of ball bearings  303  between the seat frame  307  and the tray portion  308 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . The seat frame  307  includes a retaining portion  302  to prevent the seat frame  307  from being inadvertently removed from the tray portion  308 . Other suitable mechanisms for rotatably coupling the seat  306  to the tray portion  308  are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,244,165, entitled “Entertainment Toy Having Multiple Configurations,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The tray portion  308  includes a recessed area  309  configured to retain food, drinks and/or toys for entertaining a child. In some embodiments, the tray portion  308  includes an attachment member (not shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) configured to receive toys. Such an attachment member can include, for example, a rod from which toys can be suspended and/or a mounting member to which a base portion of a toy can be mounted. 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view of a resilient member  370  of the jumping device  300  shown in  FIG. 3 . The resilient member  370  includes a first end portion  371 , a second end portion  372  and a central portion  373 . The first end portion  371  and the second end portion  372  are flexible and substantially inelastic. As discussed above, the first end portion  371  is coupled to the upright portion  344  of an upright member  331  by an attachment member  350 . In some embodiments, the resilient member  370  is monolithically formed such that the first end portion  371  and the second end portion  372  are flexible and substantially inelastic while the central portion  373  includes an elastic portion  382 . Suitable materials for the end portions  371 ,  372  of the resilient member include plastic, nylon, polyester, leather, and the like. Suitable materials for the elastic portion  382  include any suitable elastomer, such as rubber. 
     A cover  384  is disposed about a portion of the resilient member  370  to provide a more comfortable surface for the child to grasp the resilient member  370 . The cover  384  is fabricated from a material sufficiently thick to protect the child against uncomfortable edges that may be present on the resilient member  370 , but pliable enough to expand and contract with the elastic portion  382  of the resilient member  370  during movement of child support member  310 . Suitable materials for cover  384  include soft plastic, leather, nylon, and the like. 
     In other embodiments, the resilient member includes separate components joined to form the resilient member. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, a resilient member  470  includes a first strap  487 , a second strap  486  and a spring  488  coupled to and disposed between the first strap  487  and the second strap  486 . A cover  484  is disposed about a portion of the resilient member  470  to prevent pinch points in the spring  488  from being exposed to the child as the spring expands and contracts when the child support member moves. As described above, the cover  484  is fabricated from a material sufficiently thick to protect the child against pinching, but pliable enough to expand and contract with the spring  488  during movement of child support member. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the second end portion  372  of the resilient member  370  includes a set of sleeves  374 . The set of sleeves  374  is formed by coupling a first sleeve portion  376  and a second sleeve portion  377  at predefined locations  380  to form a set of openings  378 . The first sleeve portion  376  and second sleeve portion  377  can be coupled, for example, by stitching, adhesive or any other suitable means. In other embodiments, the resilient member is monolithically formed, such as by an extrusion process, to include the set of sleeves. 
     Each sleeve from the set of sleeves  374  includes visual indicia  390 , such as a reference numeral, that indicates the relative position in which the second end portion  372  is coupled to the child support member  310 . In other embodiments, the visual indicia can be color, a figure or any other suitable indicia for indicating the relative position of the second end portion of the resilient member. In some embodiments, the visual indicia are associated with the height and/or weight of the child to be placed in the jumping device. 
     The second end portion  372  of each resilient member  370  is coupled to the child support member  310  such that the child support member  310  is suspended from the support frame  330 . More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the child support member  310  includes an attachment portion  312  having a top surface  314  and a bottom surface  315 . The attachment portion  312  defines an opening  316  between the top surface  314  and the bottom surface  315  that receives the second end portion  372  of the resilient member  370 . A portion of the retainer  392  is disposed within the opening  378  of a sleeve from the set of sleeves  374  and the retainer  392  is coupled to the bottom surface  315  of the attachment portion  312  of the child support member  310 . In some embodiments, the bottom surface  315  of the attachment portion  312  defines a set of holes  320  configured to receive a portion of the retainer  392 . The holes  320  are sized to provide an interference fit with the mating portion of the retainer  392 , thereby ensuring that the retainer  392  remains coupled to the bottom surface  315  when the jumping device  300  is in use. In this manner, the position of the child support member  310  relative to the support frame  330  can be selectively adjusted by disposing a portion of the retainer within the desired sleeve from the set of sleeves  374 . 
     The position of the child support member  310  can be repeatedly adjusted as illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9D . As shown in  FIG. 9A , the user first removes the retainer  392  from the bottom surface  315  of the attachment portion  312 . The user then removes the retainer  392  from the opening  378  of the sleeve ( FIG. 9B ) and repositions the second end portion  372  of the resilient member  370  as desired ( FIG. 9C ). Finally, as shown in  FIG. 9D , the user reinserts the retainer  392  into the opening  378  of the desired sleeve and couples the retainer  392  to the bottom surface  315  by inserting the ends of the retainer  392  into the mating holes  320 . 
     Although retainer  392  illustrated in  FIG. 8  is coupled to the bottom surface  315  of the attachment portion  312  via mating holes  320 , other suitable coupling mechanisms are contemplated. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a child support member  510  includes an attachment portion  512  having a top surface  514  and a bottom surface  515 . The attachment portion  512  defines an opening  516  between the top surface  514  and the bottom surface  515  that receives the second end portion  372  of the resilient member  370 , as described above. The bottom surface  515  includes two clip portions  524 , each defining an opening  522  configured to receive a portion of the retainer  592 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10B , the depth D at the entry portion of each opening  522  is smaller than the diameter d of retainer  592 , thereby allowing the retainer  592  to be securely coupled to the bottom surface  515  of the attachment portion  512 . The retainer  592  can be removed from the opening  522  by displacing the edge of the clip portion  524  away from the bottom surface  515  of the attachment portion  512 , thereby increasing the depth D. 
     In illustrated embodiment, the attachment portion  512  is monolithically formed to include the clip portions  524 . In other embodiments, however, the clip portions  524  are separate components, such as, for example, thin metallic strips, coupled to the bottom surface of the attachment portion. In yet other embodiments, the openings are defined by a single clip portion. 
     Another mechanism for coupling the retainer to the attachment portion includes a variable length retainer  692  as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The retainer  692  includes a first end portion  693 , a second end portion  694  and a biasing member  695 . The first end portion includes a bore  696  configured to slidably receive a portion of the second end portion  694 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the biasing member  695  is disposed within the bore  696  such that it exerts an force on the first end portion  693  and the second end portion  694 . In use, the length of the retainer  692  can be varied by applying an external force to the end portions  693 ,  694  such that the second end portion  694  is pushed further into the bore  696  of the first end portion  693 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a child support member  610  includes an attachment portion  612  having a top surface  614  and a bottom surface  615 , as described above. The attachment portion  612  defines an opening  616  between the top surface  614  and the bottom surface  615  that receives the second end portion  372  of the resilient member  370 , as described above. The bottom surface  615  includes two clip portions  624 , defining two opposing openings  622 . Each opening  622  is configured to receive an end portion  693 ,  694  of the retainer  692 . In use, the retainer  692  is inserted into the openings  622  by applying a force to the end portions  693 ,  694  (i.e., squeezing the end portions together), until the length of the retainer  692  is less than the distance L between the clip portions  624 . The retainer  692  is then inserted into the openings  622  and released. The retainer is secured in place by the force exerted by the biasing member  695 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates yet another embodiment in which a retainer  792  is secured to a bottom surface  715  of an attachment portion  712  by one or more fasteners  723 . In the illustrated embodiment, a child support member  710  includes an attachment portion  712  having a top surface  714  and a bottom surface  715 . As described above, the attachment portion  712  defines an opening  716  through which the second end portion  372  of the resilient member  370  is disposed. The bottom surface  715  of the attachment portion  712  defines a set of holes  720 , each configured to receive a fastener  723 . In use, the retainer  792  is removably coupled to the bottom surface  715  by the fasteners  723 . The fasteners  723  can be, for example, threaded screws, locking pins, and the like. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates yet another embodiment in which a retainer  892  is pivotably coupled to a child support member  810 . In the illustrated embodiment, a child support member  810  includes an attachment portion  812  having a top surface  814  and a bottom surface  815 . As described above, the attachment portion  812  defines an opening  816  through which the second end portion  372  of the resilient member  370  is disposed. The bottom surface  815  of the attachment portion  812  defines a hole  820  and a slot  822 . The hole  820  is configured to receive a fastener  823 , thereby allowing a first portion  893  of the retainer  892  to be pivotably coupled to the child support member  810 . The slot  823  is configured to receive a second portion  894  of the retainer  892 . In use, the position of the child support member  810  can be adjusted by rotating the retainer  892  about axis A 1  between a first (locked) position, in which the second portion  894  of the retainer  892  is disposed within the slot  822 , and a second (unlocked) position, in which the second portion  894  of the retainer  892  is not disposed within the slot  822 . When the retainer  892  is in the second position, a sleeve (not shown) of resilient member  370  can be removed from the retainer  892  and repositioned accordingly. In this manner, the position of the child support member  810  can be repeatedly adjusted without removing the retainer  892  from the child support member  810 . 
     In some embodiments, the first portion  893  of the retainer  892  can be pivotably coupled to the child support member  810  without a fastener  823 . For example, in some embodiments, the first portion of the retainer can be configured to snap into the hole, thereby pivotably coupling the retainer to the child support member. 
     In some embodiments, the retainer is securely coupled to the bottom surface of the attachment portion by a spring loaded clasp. In other embodiments, the retainer is securely coupled to the bottom surface of the attachment portion by one or more elastic bands configured to receive an end portion of the retainer. In yet other embodiments, retainer is securely coupled to the bottom surface of the attachment portion by a magnetic force. 
     The retainer  392  can be fabricated from a variety of different materials and have a variety of different shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the retainer can have a circular cross-section, as shown in  FIGS. 10B and 12 . In other embodiments, the retainer  392  can be a flat plate having a rectangular cross-section. In yet other embodiments, the retainer  392  can have an arcuate shape. Similarly, the retainer  392  can be fabricated from an alloy, a plastic, a composite, or any other suitable material. 
     In some embodiments, the tray portion  308  of the child support member  310  is monolithically formed to include the attachment portion  312 . In other embodiments, the attachment portion is a separate component coupled to the child support member. 
       FIG. 15A  illustrates a jumping device  900  according to an embodiment of the invention that includes a support frame  930 , three resilient members  970  and a child support member  910 . The child support member  910  includes a tray portion  908  and a seat  906 . The resilient members  970  are similar to those described above, each having a first end portion  971  coupled to the support frame  930  and a second end portion  972  coupled to the child support member  910 . In this manner, the child support member  910  is suspended from the support frame  930  by the resilient members  970 . 
     In some embodiments, the position of the child support member  910  relative to the support frame  930  can selectively adjustable, as described above. For example, in some embodiments, the second end portion  972  of each of the resilient members  970  can include a set of sleeves (not shown), each sleeve being configured to receive a portion of a retainer (not shown). The retainer can be configured to be coupled to the child support member  910  such that a portion of the retainer can be repeatably disposed within a different sleeve from the set of sleeves, thereby allowing the position of the child support member  910  to be adjusted. In other embodiments, the second end portion  972  is fixedly coupled to the child support member  910 . In yet other embodiments, the sleeve and retainer feature can be configured to adjust the position of the child support member  910  at the first end portion  971  of the resilient members  970 . 
     The support frame  930  includes three frame portions  931 , each including an upright portion  944  and a base portion  932 . Each base portion  932  includes a first base member  943  and a second base member  937 , a portion of which is configured to be disposed within the first base member  943 . In this manner, the base portions  932  can be selectively placed in an expanded configuration when the jumping device  900  is in use and a more compact configuration when the jumping device  900  is not in use. In some embodiments, for example, the first base member  943  and the second base member  937  are tubes, with the inner diameter of the first base member  943  being larger than the outer diameter of the second base member  937 , thereby allowing a portion of the second base member  943  to be slidably disposed within the first base member  943 . In some embodiments, the base portions  932  can include a locking mechanism, such as a detent, configured to securely maintain the base portion  932  in the desired (e.g., assembled or disassembled) configuration. In yet other embodiments, the base portion  932  does not include a first base member  943  and a second base member  937 , but is rather a single, monolithically formed portion of the frame portion  931 . 
     The first base member  943  of each base portion  932  includes a first connector  952  and the second base member  937  of each base portion  932  includes a second connector  953 . The second connector  953  of one of the frame portions  931  is configured to engage the first connector  952  of another of the frame portions  931  such that the three frame portions  931  can be interconnected to form the support frame  930 , as illustrated in FIG.  15 A. As illustrated in the exploded view in  FIG. 15B , in some embodiments, the first connector  952  can be a female connector configured to receive a male portion of the second connector  953 . The second connector  953  can include a locking mechanism  939 , such as a tab, detent and the like, configured to be received by a mating portion  941 , such as a hole, located on the first connector  952 . In other embodiments, the connectors can be of any type suitable for removably coupling the frame portions together. In some embodiments, for example, the first and second connectors  952 ,  953  can be separate components coupled to the first and second base members  943 ,  937 , respectively, as illustrated in  FIGS. 15A and 15B . In other embodiments, the base members can be monolithically formed to include the connectors. 
     The upright portion  944  of each frame member  931  includes an attachment portion  950  configured to engage the first end portion  971  one of the resilient members  970 . In some embodiments, the attachment portion  950  can be a separate component coupled to the upright portion. In other embodiments the attachment portion  950  is not a separate component, but rather, is integral to the upright portion  944  of the frame members  931 . 
     In some embodiments the first end portion  971  is fixedly attached to the attachment portion  950 . For example, the first end portion  971  can be molded into a portion of the attachment portion  950 . In other embodiments, the first end portion  971  is removably attached to the attachment portion  950 . For example, the first end portion  971  can be adjustably coupled to the attachment portion  950  by a sleeve-and-retainer combination of the type described above. 
     In some embodiments, the upright portion  944  of each frame member  931  can be removably coupled to the first connector  952 . In this manner, the frame members  931  can be conveniently disassembled for storage purposes when the jumping device  900  is not in use. As illustrated in  FIG. 15B , the first connector  952  can be configured to receive a portion of the upright portion  944 . The upright portion  944  can include a locking mechanism  939 , such as a tab, detent and the like, configured to be received by a mating portion  941 , such as a hole, located on the first connector  952 . 
     As discussed above, the support frame can be selectively placed in an expanded configuration when the jumping device is in use and a more compact, collapsed configuration when the jumping device is not in use.  FIGS. 16A-16D  are schematic plan view illustrations of a support frame  1030  according to an embodiment of the invention in a various different configurations. The support frame  1030  includes three frame portions  1031 , each including an upright portion  1044  and a base portion  1032 . Each base portion  1032  includes a first base member  1043  and a second base member  1037 , a portion of which is configured to be disposed within the first base member  1043 . 
     As described above, the first base member  1043  of each base portion  1032  includes a first connector  1052  and the second base member  1037  of each base portion  1032  includes a second connector  1053 . The second connector  1053  of one of the frame portions  1031  is configured to engage the first connector  1052  of another of the frame portions  1031  such that the three frame portions  1031  can be interconnected to form the support frame  1030 , as illustrated in  FIG. 16A . In some embodiments, the mating connectors can be configured to removably engage each other as described above, such that the frame portions can be removably interconnected. In other embodiments, the mating connectors can be configured to pivotably engage each other such that frame portions can be pivotably interconnected, thereby allowing the frame portions to be foldably placed in a collapsed configuration when the jumping device is not in use. In yet other embodiments, the mating connectors can be configured to both removably and pivotably engage each other. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 16A-16D , in some embodiments, some of the mating connectors are configured to removably engage each other, while other of the mating connectors are configured to pivotably engage each other. In use, the support frame  1030  can be repeatably transitioned from an expanded configuration ( FIG. 16A ) to a collapsed configuration ( FIG. 16D ) as described herein. First the second connector  1053 A is removed from the first connector  1052 A, as shown by the arrow in  FIG. 16B . Each of the second connectors  1053 B and  1053 C are then pivoted within the first connectors  1052 B and  1052 C, respectively, as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 16C . In this manner, the frame portions  1031  can be pivoted with respect to each other, thereby allowing the support frame  1030  to be placed in a more compact configuration. Finally, as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 16D , each of the second base members  1037  is disposed within the respective first base member  1043 . 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate a jumping device  1100  according to an embodiment of the invention that includes a support frame  1130 , four resilient members  1170 , a child support member  1110  and a retainer  1192  associated with each resilient member  1170  (see  FIG. 15 ). As described above, the child support member  1110  includes a tray portion  1108  and a seat  1106 . The resilient members  1170  are similar to those described above, each having a first end portion  1171  having a set of sleeves  1174  and a second end portion  1172 . The second end portion  1172  is coupled to the child support member  1110 . A portion of each retainer  1192  is disposed within a sleeve from the set of sleeves  1174  (see  FIG. 18 ). Each retainer  1192  is coupled to the support frame  1130 , thereby coupling the first end portion  1171  of each resilient member  1170  to the support frame  1130  such that the child support member  1110  is suspended from the support frame  1130 . As described above, the position of the child support member  1110  relative to the support frame  1130  is selectively adjustable by disposing the portion of each retainer  1192  within a different sleeve from the set of sleeves  1174  in each resilient member  1170 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the support frame  1130  includes two A-shaped portions  1134  spaced laterally from and opposite each other. Each A-shaped portion  1134  includes a top portion  1136  that defines an apex  1138  and two mid portions  1142 . An attachment member  1150  is disposed between each mid portion  1142  and the top portion  1136 . As discussed in more detail herein, the attachment members  1150  also serve to attach the resilient members  1170  to the support frame  1130 . The A-shaped portions  1134  are coupled together by two base members  1132 , one positioned towards the front of the jumping device  1100  and one positioned towards the rear of the jumping device  1100 . The ends of the base members  1132  are coupled to the mid portions  1142  of the A-shaped portion  1134  by connectors  1152 . 
     The base members  1132  are substantially U-shaped and include feet  1140  attached at the ground-engaging corners of each base member  1132 . The feet  1140  are configured to substantially contact a support surface when the jumping device  1100  is in a deployed configuration. The feet  1140  are slip-resistant to help maintain the jumping device  1100  in a desired location. The feet  1140  can be, for example, plastic, rubber or any other suitable material. 
     In some embodiments, the connectors  1152  are configured to slidably receive the ends of the base members  1132  and the mid portions  1142  and include a height adjustment mechanism. The operation of such a height adjustment mechanism is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,709, entitled “Free-Standing Jumping Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, the connectors  1152  include a quick-connect mechanisms that allow for the base members  1132  to be easily removed for storage purposes. 
     In some embodiments, the mid portions  1142  and the top portion  1136  are separate components joined by the attachment member  1150 . In some embodiments, for example, an end portion of each mid portion  1142  is pivotably coupled to its adjacent attachment member  1150 . In other embodiments, only the two mid portions  1142  towards the front of the jumping device  1100  are pivotably coupled to their adjacent attachment members  1150 , while the two mid portions  1142  towards the rear of the jumping device  1100  are fixedly coupled to their adjacent attachment members  1150 . In this manner, the jumping device  1100  can be conveniently folded for storage purposes. In yet other embodiments, the attachment members  1150  include a quick-connect mechanisms that allow for easy removal of the mid portions  1142  and/or the top portions  1136 . 
     As illustrated, the attachment members  1150  also serve to attach the resilient members  1170  to the support frame  1130  in a position beneath the apex  1138  of the A-shaped portions  1134  of the support frame  1130 . Similar to the attachment portion described above, each attachment member  1150  has a first surface  1114  and a second surface  1115 . The attachment member  1150  defines an opening  1116  between the first surface  1114  and the second surface  1115  that receives the first end portion  1171  of the resilient member  1170 . A portion of the retainer  1192  is disposed within the opening  1178  of a sleeve from the set of sleeves  1174  and the retainer  1192  is coupled to the second surface  1115  of the attachment member  1150 . In the illustrated embodiment, a set of clips  1124  is coupled to the second surface  1115  of the attachment member  1150 . The clips  1124  are configured to receive a portion of the retainer  1192  such that the retainer  1192  can be securely coupled to the second surface  1115  of the attachment member  1150 . 
     As shown and described above, many other mechanisms for coupling the retainer  1192  to the second surface  1115  of the attachment member  1150  are contemplated. Similarly, although the attachment member  1150  is shown and described as a separate component disposed between a top portion  1136  and a mid portion  1142  of an A-shaped portion  1134 , in some embodiments, the A-shaped portions are monolithically formed to include an attachment portion performing the functions of the attachment member  1150  as described above. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the second end portion  1172  is coupled to the child support member  1110 . In some embodiments the second end portion  1172  is fixedly attached to the child support member  1110 . For example, the second end portion  1172  can be molded into the tray portion  1108  of the child support member  1110 . In other embodiments, the second end portion  1172  is removably attached to the child support member  1110 . For example, the second end portion  1172  of the resilient member  1170  can be coupled to the child support member  1110  by a fastener, an elastic strap, or by a sleeve-and-retainer combination. 
     Although the A-frame jumping device  1100  is shown and described as having four resilient members  1170 , each of which is adjustably attached to the support frame  1130 , in some embodiments, a jumping device includes only two resilient members, the ends of which are attached to a child support member. For example,  FIG. 19  illustrates a portion of an A-shaped portion  1234  of a support frame  1230  according to an embodiment of the invention. The A-shaped portion  1234  includes a tubular top portion  1236  that defines an interior region  1237 . The ends of the top portion  1236  are coupled to attachment members  1250 . Each attachment member  1250  includes a side wall  1254  that defines an interior region  1256 . The side wall  1254  further defines an opening  1216  that receives a portion of the resilient member  1270 . As illustrated, the resilient member  1270  is disposed through each opening  1216  such that its first end portion  1271  and its second end portion  1272  are disposed outside of the A-shaped portion  1234  of the support frame  1230 , while a central portion  1273  of the resilient member is disposed within the interior region  1237  of the top portion  1236 . In this manner, the first end portion  1271  and the second end portion  1272  can each be coupled to a child support member (not shown), while the central portion  1273  cooperates with the top portion  1236  to support the child support member (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, each of the first end portion  1271  and the second end portion  1272  include a set of sleeves (not shown) and are adjustably coupled to the child support member (not shown). In other embodiments, one of the end portions is fixedly coupled to the child support member, while the other end portion includes a set of sleeves and is adjustably coupled to the child support member in a manner as described above. 
     In some embodiments, a portion of the resilient member  1270  is not disposed within the support frame  1230 . For example, in some embodiments, the support frame includes a series of eyelets or rings through which the resilient member is disposed. 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate a jumping device  1300  similar to the jumping device  800  described above, except that the jumping device  1300  includes only two resilient members  1370 , one of which is disposed towards the front of the jumping device and one of which is disposed towards the rear of the jumping device. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient members  1370  have a first end portion  1371 , a second end portion  1372  and a central portion  1373 . The first end portion  1371  includes a set of sleeves  1374  and is adjustably coupled to an attachment member  1350  of the support frame  1330  in a manner similar to that described above. The second end portion is fixedly coupled to an attachment member  1350  of the support frame  1330 . The central portion  1373  is coupled to the child support member  1313  such that the child support member  1313  is suspended by the resilient members  1370 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the child support member includes attachment portions  1312 , each of which includes a top surface  1314  and a bottom surface  1315 . The attachment portions  1312  define openings  1316  between the top surface  1314  and the bottom surface  1315  that receive a portion of the resilient member  1370 . In this manner, central portion  1373  is coupled to the bottom surface  1315  of the attachment portions. Although the illustrated child support member  1313  is monolithically formed to include the attachment portions  1312 , in some embodiments the attachment portions are separate components coupled to the child support member. In yet other embodiments, the attachment portions are configured such that the central portions of the resilient members are coupled to the top surface of the attachment portions. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. For example, although the jumping devices are shown and described as having multiple resilient members, in some embodiments a jumping device according to the invention can include a single resilient member. In yet other embodiments, a jumping device can include a single resilient member having three or more end portions configured to be coupled to a child support portion and/or a support frame. 
     Similarly, although the resilient members are shown and described has being thin straps, in some embodiments the resilient members can be of any suitable shape, such as, for example, a member having a round cross-sectional shape. 
     Although the seat frame is shown and described as being rotatably coupled in one embodiment of the invention, it is understood that a rotatably coupled seat can be included in any embodiments of the invention. Conversely, in some embodiments, the seat frame is fixedly coupled to the tray portion. In other embodiments, the seat does not include a seat frame, but rather only includes the padded material coupled directly to the tray portion by a series of fasteners, such as snaps, buttons and/or hook and loop fasteners. In yet other embodiments, the seat does not include a padded material, but rather only includes a seat frame configured to retain a child. In still other embodiments, the child support member is a monolithically formed structure that includes both a tray portion and a seat. 
     Although specific embodiments are shown and described as having specific mechanisms for attaching the retainer to the child support member and/or the support frame, any of the disclosed attachment mechanisms can be used in any combination to attach any portion of the retainer to the child support member and/or the support frame.