Patent Publication Number: US-8968048-B2

Title: Activity mat

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/331,973 filed on 6 May 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This subject matter relates to infant activity devices, often referred to also as developmental toys or infant activity/entertainment center. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an activity device that is configurable in many different ways. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are known activity devices often used as infant developments and amusing toys for infant lying on the flour or in a cradle, or when sitting in a stroller or a bouncer. 
     Some examples for activity devices are disclosed in WO2007/026359. 
     SUMMARY 
     The presently disclosed subject matter provides an infant activity device that is configurable in many different settings and wherein an activity space surrounding an infant below the device may be changed depending on the location of the infant, such that stimulating elements may be provided, in particular at that space, and further wherein the stimulating elements may be suspended at an appropriate distance from the infant. 
     According to the disclosed subject matter, there is provided an infant activity device comprising two or more arches configured for creating an activity space extending below a location of articulation of the arches, and further comprising an arch configuration member configured for displacement between different articulation configurations of the arches by sliding with respect to at least one arch and further configured for retaining the arches at any desired articulation configuration to thereby alter the activity space. 
     The location of articulation, according to the presently disclosed subject matter, is defined as a point or an area in which the distance between the arches it minimal or, in case the arches are in direct contact, the location of contact, intersection or tangent therebetween. 
     The activity space, according to the presently disclosed subject matter, is defined as an area below the location of articulation of the arches, as defined above, and in particular, below the arch configuration member. 
     Any one or more of the following features and designs may be included in the infant activity device, according to the presently disclosed subject matter, in combination or independently:
         The arch configuration member is retained at the location of articulation when retaining the arches at an articulation configuration corresponding to the location;   The arch configuration member comprises at least one an arch receptacle configured for slidingly receiving therein two or more arches;   The arch configuration member comprises a retention mechanism for retaining the arches in the desired articulation configuration;   The arch configuration member is retained in position by friction between the arch configuration member and the arches;   The arch configuration member is a releasable clamping arrangement configured for displacement over the arches and further configured for retaining them at any desired configuration;   The arches are configured to be detachably attached to an infant equipment such as an activity mat, a bed, a bouncer, a safety chair, a cradle or a stroller;   The arches comprise one or more attachment points for attaching the activity device to infant equipment and with respect to which the arches are configured to change their articulation configuration;   The arches comprise two or more arch couplers for detachably attaching the arches to the infant equipment;   The activity device comprise one or more stimulating elements configured to be provided within the activity space;   The activity device comprise one or more stimulating element couplers slidably displaceable over the arches;   At least one stimulating element is configured to be detachably attached to the arch configuration member.       

     In accordance with another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an infant activity mat comprising two or more arches configured for creating an activity space extending below a location of articulation of the arches, and further comprising an arch configuration member configured for displacement between different articulation configurations of the arches by sliding with respect to at least one arch and further configured for retaining the arches at any desired articulation configuration to thereby alter the activity space. 
     The arches comprise one or more attachment points at which the device is configured to be detachably attached to the mat and with respect to which the arches are configured to change their articulation configuration and may further comprise two or more arch couplers for detachably attaching the arches to the mat. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an arch configuration member for use in an activity device having two or more arches configured for creating an activity space extending below a location of articulation of the arches. The arch configuration member comprises an arch receptacle configured for slidingly receiving therein the arches, for displacement between different articulation configurations of the arches by sliding with respect to at least one arch, and for retaining the arches at any desired articulation configuration to thereby alter the activity space. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are top perspective views of an activity device in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, with and without an arch configuration member, respectively; 
         FIG. 1C  is a top view the activity mat in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter showing another example of its arch configuration; 
         FIG. 1D  is an example of an arch configuration member according to the presently disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of an arch used in conjunction with the activity mat of the presently disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 2B  is a section of an arch taken along line II-II in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top perspective view of an activity mat in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 3B  is a front view of the activity mat, taken in the direction of arrow marked I in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a side view taken in direction of arrow marked II in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3D  is a rear view of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3E  is a top view of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3F  is a bottom view of the activity mat illustrated in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlargement of the portion marked III in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a respective view of an arch coupler of the activity mat according to the presently disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 5B  is a front view of the arch coupler of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a left isometric view of the arch coupler sectioned along line IV-IV in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5D  is a right isometric view of the arch coupler, sectioned along line IV-IV in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is an isometric view of an arch engaged with an arched coupler in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 6B  is a front view of the assembly of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6C  is a section taken along line V-V in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are isometric views of an arch fitted with two stimulating elements dangling therefrom, at two respective positions; 
         FIG. 7C  is an enlargement of the portion marked VI-VI in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 7D  is an enlarged view of  FIG. 7B ; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are respective isometric and side views of a stimulating element coupler according to the disclosed subject matter; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are front and back views of an arch configuration member in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter; 
         FIG. 9C  is an exploded isometric view of the arch configuration member illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ; 
         FIGS. 9D and 9E  are front views of sliding members of the arch configuration member illustrated in  FIGS. 9A to 9C  in different mutual configurations; 
         FIG. 10A  is a top view of a pressing knob of the arch configuration member illustrated in  FIGS. 9A to 9C ; 
         FIG. 10B  is a section of the pressing knob taken along line VIII-VIII in  FIG. 10A ; and 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate the activity mat with the activity space altered into different configurations by modification of the position of the arches. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Attention is first directed to  FIG. 1A  of the drawings illustrating an infant activity device  10  comprising a pair of arches  26  articulated so as to define an entertainment space/activity space S substantially below an articulation point P of the arches  26  surrounding an infant (not shown), whereby the shape and orientation of the space S may be easily altered above the infant, by simple manipulation of the arches  26  and their retention at a respective position, to be discussed hereinafter. 
     The activity device  10  is configured to be detachably attached to infant equipment such as, for example, an activity mat (as shown in  FIGS. 3A to 3E ), a bouncer, a safety chair, a cradle or a stroller, by means of suitable couplers. 
     The arches  26  can normally be in a cross configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , or adjacent one to the other, as shown in  FIG. 1C , and in any of the above configurations the arches  26  can be in direct contact or distanced one from the other, so that the articulation point P of the arches  26  defined as a location of a minimal distance D MIN  ( FIGS. 1B and 1C ) therebetween. Each arch  26  comprises at least one point of attachment to infant equipment, as indicated above, and preferably comprises two points of attachment, such as for example the ends  30  and  32  of the arch  26 . 
     The arches  26  can change their configuration by movement and/or rotation with respect to the points of attachment, different examples of which are shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  3 A,  3 B,  3 C,  11 A and  11 B. 
     The arch configuration member  44 , several examples of which are described herein below in detail, is configured for displacement between different articulation configurations of the arches by sliding with respect to at least one arch and further configured for retaining the arches at any desired articulation configuration, altering thereby the activity space S, as shown in dotted lines in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  11 A and  11 B. The arch configuration member  44  may further comprise a retention mechanism for retaining the arches in the desired articulation configuration. 
     When retaining the arches in the desired configuration, the arch configuration member  44  is located substantially at the articulation point P ( FIG. 1B , showing only the point without the arch configuration member). The displacement of the arch configuration member  44  result in change in configuration of one or both arches  26  and, consequently, in displacement of the point P which defines the activity space S. 
     According to one example illustrated in  FIG. 1D , an arch configuration member  50  is illustrated comprising two arch receiving members  52  and  56  which may be fixed to another or pivotally secured to one another, each configured with an arch receiving channel  58  and  60  respectively, defining respective axes X and Y corresponding with the longitudinal axis of each of the arches received thereby. The arch receiving channels  58  and  60  are configured, as far as shape and size, such that an individual may actively slide the arch configuration member  50  along one or both arches, arresting however sliding motion and preventing spontaneous displacement of the arches unintentionally, thereby fixing the respective position of the arches and thereby recreating a new activity space. Friction increasing projections may be formed within the arch receiving channels  58  and  60 . 
     During the movement of the arch configuration member  50 , the arch receiving members  52  and  56  are configured for rotating at least with respect to the Z axis, adjusting thereby to the configuration of the arches received therein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the arches  26  can comprise a rigid portion  28 , such as a carbon rods, reinforced composite material or plastic material, received within a sheath-like coating  30  made of eye-pleasing flexible material, likely with a layer of padding material  32 , such as foamed material or sponge. The arches  26  can further comprise holes  70  for suspending stimulating elements such as toys. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3A to 3F  of the drawings illustrating an infant activity mat in accordance with the disclosed subject matter generally designated  110  and comprising an activity device  111  having a pair of arches  126  and a arch configuration member  144 , and a floor mat  114  made of a pliable/flexible padded material e.g. two layers of fabric with a layer of sponge or foamed material stitched therebetween. In accordance with a particular design, the floor mat  114  has a top surface  115  and a bottom surface  118  ( FIG. 3F ) each being patterned and colored in a different fashion, whereby the floor mat  114  may be used with either surface facing upwards. 
     In the particular example, the floor mat  114  is substantially circular though it is appreciated that other forms may be acquired as well, e.g. oval, rectangle, etc. Laterally projecting from a perimeter of the floor mat  114  there are arch coupler supports  119 , coextensive with the mat  114 , each supporting an arch coupler element  120 . The arch coupler elements are paired  120 A and  120 B, the arrangement being such that each pair  120 A and  120 B extends about an imaginary diameter of the floor mat  114  such that when tensioned by the arches (as will be discussed hereinafter) the floor mat  114  assumes a substantially flat and smooth configuration, tensioned by the arches. The structure of the arch coupler elements  120 A and  120 B will be discussed hereinafter in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5D . 
     As seen in  FIG. 7D , each arch has smooth, rounded ends; and is fitted at its respective ends with a coupler eye  136  (also shown in  FIG. 4 ) giving rise to a reinforced opening  138  which as will be discussed hereinafter serves for coupling with a respective arch coupler element  120 A/ 120 B. 
     Further noticed, the activity mat  110  is provided with several stimulating element couplers  150 , seen in further detail in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , configured for sliding displacement over an arch  126  and for retaining their position by friction over the arch, and further for dangling articulation therefrom of a stimulating element, collectively designated  154 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4 to 6  it will be explained how the arches  126  are securely though easily detachably, coupled to the arch coupler elements  120 . As noted, each of the arch coupler elements  120 A and  120 B is composed of a housing  162  (best seen in  FIGS. 5C and 5D ) which housing is securely coupled or integrated with the arch coupler support  119 . The arch coupler element comprises two flexible sidewalls  164  and  166  wherein a snap-type coupler is provided in the form of a projecting male element  168  extending from wall  166  and a corresponding female locking element  170  fitted on wall  164 , wherein the diameter of male projection  166  is smaller than that of the opening  138  formed at the end of each of the arches  126  and further, wherein the arch coupler elements  120 , at their snappingly closed position (e.g.  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  6 C) define a space  174  for supporting the respective end of the arch  126 , whereby the arch  126  is both supported by the pocket-like construction of the arch coupler element  120  and yet being locked and engaged to prevent spontaneous disengagement therefrom by means of the snap lock coupler composed of male projection  168  and female lock  170 . 
     With further reference being now made to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , there is illustrated the stimulating element coupler  150  and it is seen to comprise an opening  182  configured for sliding over the sheath of the arch  126  and for that purpose has a cross section for essentially corresponding with that of the arch  126 . Furthermore, it is noticed that projecting into the opening  182  there is a prong  184  designed for increasing friction engagement over the arch  126 , giving rise to a semi-circular portion  186  embracing the rigid portion of the rod  128  of the arch  126 . The stimulating element coupler  150  is slidable over and along the arch  126  in direction of arrowed line  189 , however, owing to friction the stimulating element coupler  150  and the element articulated thereto, will spontaneously displace over the arch. Integrated and extending below there is a hook portion  188  for articulation thereto of various arches, e.g. stimulating article  154 , either directly or through one or more links  192 . It is appreciated that the stimulating element coupler may assume different shapes and designs, however configured for axial displacement over an arch and retention thereof at any desired location. This may be facilitated by friction engagement over the arch or by appropriate clamping arrangements. 
       FIGS. 9A to 9C  illustrate an arch configuration member  144  according to one example of the presently disclosed subject matter having an axis of symmetry A and comprising a rigid housing  192  having a top cover  194  and a bottom cover  196  defining therebetween a space  198  fitted with two throughgoing sliding top and bottom members  200  and  202  substantially perpendicular to the axis A, having arch receiving channels  102  and  104 , each configured for receiving therethrough an arch  126 . 
     The top and the bottom covers  194  and  196  may form (although not necessarily), at one side of the housing  192  a partition wall  190  separating between the arches  126  and preventing them from undesired overlapping. 
     The arch configuration member  144  further comprises a releasing/retention mechanism  140  comprising in turn a pressing knob  142  received within a top cover receptacle  195 , two springs (not shown) attached to the knob  142  at  116  and biased against an inner wall (not seen) of the top cover  194 , and a plunger  148  projecting downwardly from the top cover  194  into the space  198 . The plunger  148  comprises a top end  114  slidingly fitted within a plunger receiving curved channel  145  extending along a bottom surface  143  of the pressing knob  142  ( FIGS. 10A and 10B ) and a bottom end  112  received within a corresponding recess  204  on a top surface  206  of the sliding member  200 . 
     On its bottom surface  208 , the sliding member  200  is fitted with a protrusion  210  to be received within a corresponding recess  212  on a top surface  214  of the sliding member  202 , which in turn is fitted over a bottom support  230  upwardly extending from the bottom cover  196  into a recess  216  (not seen) on a bottom surface  218  thereof. 
     The arrangement is such that normally the sliding members  200  and  202  are pressed one towards the other by the plunger  148  and the bottom support  230 , so that the protrusion  210  is entirely received within the recess  204 , as shown for example in  FIG. 9E , restricting thereby the displacement of the arch configuration member  144  over the arches  126 . 
     When it is desired to reconfigure the activity space of the activity mat, namely to change the configuration of the arches  126 , the knob  142  is pressed against the springs  116  releasing thereby the pressure applied by the plunger  148  (displaced along the curved channel  145 ) on the sliding member  200 , increasing a gap G ( FIG. 9D ) between the sliding members  200  and  202  and facilitating thereby the displacement of the arch configuration member over the arches  126  resulting in changing their configuration and consequently the activity space. 
     During the displacement of the arch configuration member  144 , the sliding members  200  and  202  are configured for rotating at least with respect to the axis A, adjusting thereby to the configuration of the arches received therein. In particular, the sliding members are configured to take any mutual configuration in a range between a perpendicular configuration ( FIG. 9D ) and a parallel configuration ( FIG. 9E ). 
     The arch configuration member  144  may be displaced with respect to only one of the arches  126  changing thereby configuration of the other arch with respect to the mat. 
     The arch configuration member, according to the presently disclosed subject matter, may be used without having to manipulate any pressing member or the like, relying only on friction between the devise and the respective arches  226 , whereby the arches may be displaced to reconfigure the activity space by arresting the arches at a desired position with respect to one another and arresting them at that desired configuration. 
     A bottom surface  199  of the arch configuration member  144  is provided with a toy  197  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) attached by screwing engagement to a thread  193  ( FIGS. 9A to 9C ) hanging within the activity space or may be provided for example with an ornamental pattern or a reflecting surface (a mirror) for amusement of an infant laying below and occupying the activity space. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  the activity mat  110  according to the presently disclosed subject matter is illustrated in a different configurations owing to displacement of the arch configuration member  144  in direction of arrows  313  and  315  resulting in creation of a different activity space S above the mat  114 , whereby the hanging toys T now extend lower above the surface of the mat. 
     Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Mutatis Mutandis. For example, the arch coupler elements may extend at both sides of the arch coupler supports  119  or may be detachably attached at either face thereof, whereby the floor mat  114  may be used with either face up.