Patent Abstract:
A children&#39;s entertainment structure or play gym includes a first support member, a second support member, an arched member coupled to the top of the first support member and the top of the second support member, and a mat reconfigurable between the first and second support members and beneath the arched member. Moreover, each of the support members has an upper opening and an internal passageway that is in connection with the upper opening that extends through at least a portion of the support member. The upper opening and the passageway are sized and configured to receive and transport balls to the bottom of the support members. The arched member includes a channel that is also configured to receive balls, while allowing them to roll towards the upper openings on the support members.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/061,306, filed Oct. 8, 2014, entitled “Reconfigurable Infant Play Yard,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a gym that has multiple configurations to allow for use by newborns, infants and even toddlers. In particular, it relates to a children&#39;s gym including two support members, an activity bar, and a mat. The mat may be reconfigurable between multiple configurations for different styles of play that allow the gym to grow with the child. The activity bar may further include interactive toys such as hanging elements removably suspended from the activity bar, as well as lights and sounds to further engage the child. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Very young children develop by interacting with their surrounding environment. Sensory stimuli are one of a newborn or infant&#39;s first sources of learning (infants learn through audio and visual stimulation related to different fields of experience). For example, seeing bright colors, bold patterns, and moving elements fosters development of visual tracking skills. Listening to music and sounds stimulates auditory skills, while touching materials of varying texture enhances tactile skills. Each of these activities, moreover, encourages these children to use and develop their cognitive skills to differentiate among various sights, sounds, and textures. Consequently, toys for very young children are often developed to create varied interactive, sensory experiences. For example, infant gyms enhance both visual and auditory skills through stimulation by providing an infant an opportunity to use his or her senses while interacting with the gym. Infant gyms provide neurological stimulation, as well as develop an infant&#39;s motor and cognitive skills. Specifically, an infant gym with enhanced visual appeal, different textures, and busy activities stimulates the infant&#39;s senses, and thus his or her sensory development. Furthermore, infant gyms encourage an infant to kick, reach, and bat at hanging toys, developing motor skills. In addition, the infant&#39;s ability to repeatedly make events happen helps an infant understand cause and effect. Increasing interaction with an infant gym is desirable because it increases the infant&#39;s potential for learning. However, most infant gyms are only affective at holding an infants attention when the infant is only capable of lying in the supine position, and lose much of their use when the child begins to sit, or ultimately stand. Once infants are able to sit, craw, and/or walk, other forms of entertainment beyond hanging items that they can kick, reach, and bat at while lying in the supine position are desireable to continue to develop the infant&#39;s motor and cognitive skills and add value to the consumer. Thus, it is desirable to provide an entertainment device or toy including activities with which a child can interact to develop cognitive and/or motor skills as they grow older. 
         [0004]    The present invention is directed generally to an entertainment device or toy that is capable of being used throughout the growth of the child. What is needed is a gym that is capable of being used during all of the early growth stages of a child, from when a child is only capable of lying in the supine position, to when the child can sit upright unassisted, to when the child is able to stand and walk around. The desired gym may further include one or more interactive features such as hanging elements and ball placement and drop elements that can be utilized in the different configurations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    According to one exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes a gym containing a first support member, a second support member, a substantially horizontal member, and a mat. The first and second support members are oriented in a generally vertical orientation and spaced apart from one another. Moreover, the support members each have a top, a bottom, an opening disposed on the top, and an internal passageway in communication with the opening. The substantially horizontal member is coupled to the top of the first support member and the second support member proximate to the upper openings. Furthermore, a toy ball can be placed on the horizontal member and travel towards either of the upper openings. If the ball travels into either of the upper openings, the ball will travel along the internal passageway to the bottom of the support member. Finally, the mat is placeable between the first and second support members, and is be removably coupleable to the first and second support members in multiple configurations to change the orientation and shape of the mat for different types of play as a child grows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of a gym in the first configuration according to the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of the connection of the mat to the first and second support members of the first embodiment of the gym illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the gym being configured in the first configuration. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the first embodiment of the gym illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the gym being configured in the second configuration. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a front view of the connection of the mat to the first and second support members of the first embodiment of the gym illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the gym being configured in the second configuration. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the connectors of the mat of the gym illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the gym being configured in the second configuration. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the connectors of the mat illustrated in  FIG. 2B  connected to the first and second support members of the gym illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the gym being configured in the second configuration. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a gym in the second configuration according to the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the first embodiment of the gym illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the gym being configured in a third configuration. 
       
    
    
       [0014]    Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4  is a gym  10 , in accordance with the present invention, that is reconfigurable to provide different play features for a young child. The gym  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4 , includes a first support member  100 , a second support member  200 , and an arched member  300  connected to both the first support member  100  and the second support member  200 . The first support member  100  includes a first leg  110 , a second leg  130 , and a upper member  170  that extends upwardly from the first and second legs  110 ,  130 . The first leg  110  of the first support member  100  has a top portion  112  and a bottom portion  114  where the bottom portion  114  is configured to engage a support surface. The second leg  130  of the first support member  100  also has a top portion  132  and a bottom portion  134  where the bottom portion  134  is configured to engage a support surface. The top portion  112  of the first leg  110  is coupled to the top portion  132  of the second leg  130 , while the bottom portion  114  of the first leg  110  is spaced away from the bottom portion  134  of the second leg  130 . The first leg  110  and the second leg  130  of the first support member  100  together form an archway  150 . Furthermore, the upper member  170  includes a top portion  172  and a bottom portion  174 , where the bottom portion  174  is coupled to the top portions  112 ,  132  of the first and second legs  110 ,  130  of the first support member  100 . 
         [0016]    Additionally, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4 , the second support member  200  includes a first leg  210 , a second leg  230 , and a upper member  270  that extends upwardly from the first and second legs  210 ,  230 . The first leg  210  of the second support member  200  has a top portion  212  and a bottom portion  214  where the bottom portion  214  is configured to engage a support surface. The second leg  230  of the second support member  200  also has a top portion  232  and a bottom portion  234  where the bottom portion  234  is configured to engage a support surface. Similarly to that of the first support member  100 , the top portion  212  of the first leg  210  is coupled to the top portion  232  of the second leg  230 , while the bottom portion  214  of the first leg  210  is spaced away from the bottom portion  234  of the second leg  230 . The first leg  210  and the second leg  230  of the second support member  200  form an archway  250  identical to the archway  150  formed in the first support member  100 . Furthermore, the upper member  270  includes a top portion  272  and a bottom portion  274 , where the bottom portion  274  is coupled to the top portions  212 ,  232  of the first and second legs  210 ,  230  of the second support member  200 . 
         [0017]    The top portion  172  of the upper member  170  of the first support member  100  includes an opening  180  (best seen in  FIG. 3 ). The upper member  170  further includes a passageway  176  that runs through the interior of the upper member  170  from the opening  180  in the top portion  172  through the bottom portion  174  of the upper member  170 . Furthermore, the first leg  110  of the first support member  100  contains a channel  118  that runs from the top portion  112  of the first leg  110  to the bottom portion  114  of the first leg  110  down the front of the leg  110 . The passageway  176  of the upper member  170  opens into the channel  118  of the first leg  110  creating a continuous pathway from the opening  180  in the top portion  172  of the upper member  170  to the bottom portion  114  of the first leg  110 . A ball  500  that enters the opening  180  in the top portion  172  of the upper member  170  would travel through the passageway  176  of the upper member  170  and then down the channel  118  of the first leg  110  to the bottom portion  114  of the first leg  110 . The bottom portion  114  of the first leg  110  further includes a repositionable gate  120  that, when in the closed position illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , prevents any balls  500  from exiting the channel  118  of the first leg  110 . The bottom portion  114  of the first leg  110  of the first support member  100  further includes projections  116  positioned on either side of the channel  118  proximate the gate  120 . 
         [0018]    Similar to the upper member  170  of the first support member  100 , the top portion  272  of the upper member  270  of the second support member  200  includes an upper opening  280  (best seen in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 ). The upper member  270  further includes a passageway  284  that runs through the interior of the upper member  270  from the upper opening  280  in the top portion  272  through the bottom portion  274  of the upper member  270 . Furthermore, the first leg  210  of the second support member  200  contains a channel  218  that runs from the top portion  212  of the first leg  210  to the bottom portion  214  of the first leg  210  down the front of the first leg  210 . The passageway  284  of the upper member  270  opens into the channel  218  of the first leg  210  creating a continuous pathway from the opening  280  in the top portion  272  of the upper member  270  to the bottom portion  214  of the first leg  210 . A ball  500  that enters the opening  280  in the top portion  272  of the upper member  270  would travel through the passageway  284  of the upper member  270  and then down the channel  218  of the first leg  210  to the bottom portion  214  of the first leg  210 . The upper member  270  of the second support member  200  further includes a lower opening  282  that is disposed on the sidewall of the upper member  270  proximate to the bottom portion  214 . The lower opening  282  is in communication with the passageway  284  and the channel  218 , so that a ball  500  placed in the lower opening  282  would also travel down the passageway  284  and into the channel  218  of the first leg  210 . Moreover, the bottom portion  214  of the first leg  210  of the second support member  200  further includes a repositionable gate  220  that, when in the closed position illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , prevents any balls  500  that travel down the channel  218  from exiting the channel  218  of the first leg  210 . The bottom portion  214  of the first leg  210  of the second support member  200  further includes projections  216  positioned on either side of the channel  218  proximate the gate  220 . 
         [0019]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 2A , the first support member  100  includes at least three small apertures  122 ,  124 , and  136 . Disposed on the first leg  110  of the first support member  100 , proximate to the bottom portion  114  of the first leg  110 , is a first aperture  124 . Similarly, disposed on the second leg  130  of the first support member  100 , proximate to the bottom portion  134  of the second leg  130 , is a second aperture  136 . Additionally, disposed on the first leg  110  of the first support member  100 , proximate to the top portion  112  of the first leg  110 , above the archway  150 , is a third aperture  122 . Mirroring the first support member  100 , the second support member  200  includes at least three small apertures  222 ,  224 , and  236 . Disposed on the first leg  210  of the second support member  200 , proximate to the bottom portion  214  of the first leg  210 , is a first aperture  224 . Disposed on the second leg  230  of the second support member  200 , proximate to the bottom portion  234  of the second leg  230 , is a second aperture  236 . Finally, disposed on the first leg  210  of the second support member  200 , proximate to the top portion  212  of the first leg  210 , above the archway  250 , is a third aperture  222 . 
         [0020]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4 , the arched member  300  includes a first end  370  and a second end  380 . The first end  370  of the arched member  300  is coupled to the top portion  172  of the upper member  170  of the first support member  100  proximate the opening  180  in the top portion  172 . Furthermore, the second end  380  of the arched member  300  is coupled to the top portion  272  of the upper member  270  of the second support member  200  proximate the upper opening  280  in the top portion  272 . As further illustrated, the bottom of the arched member  300  includes two lights  330 . In other embodiments, the number of lights  330  may vary, or the arched member  300  may include no lights. The bottom of the arched member  300  also is configured to receive and suspend a first tether  340 , a second tether  350 , and a third tether  360 . Attached to the end of the first tether  340  is a first toy  342 , attached to the end of the second tether  350  is a second toy  352 , and attached to the end of the third tether  360  is a third toy  362 . Other embodiments of the gym  10  may include more or less tethers with toys attached to them. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, and 4  further illustrate that the arched member  300  includes a pair of sidewall members  320  that together define a channel  310  therebetween. The channel  310  is configured to rollingly receive balls  500 . Because the arched member  300  has a curve where the highest point, or apex, of the curve is in the middle of the arched member  300 , a ball  500  placed within the channel  310  of the arched member  300  will roll towards the first side  370  or the second side  380  of the arched member  300 . Because the first side  370  of the arched member  300  is coupled to the top portion  172  of the upper member  170  proximate to the opening  180 , a ball  500  that travels along the channel  310  of the arched member  300  toward the first side  370  of the arched member  300  would roll into the opening  180 , and as explained previously, would eventually travel to the bottom portion  114  of the first leg  110  of the first support member  100 . Similarly, because the second side  380  of the arched member  300  is coupled to the top portion  272  of the upper member  270  proximate to the upper opening  280 , a ball  500  that travels along the channel  310  of the arched member  300  toward the second side  380  of the arched member  300  would roll into the upper opening  280 , and as explained previously, the ball  500  would eventually travel to the bottom portion  214  of the first leg  210  of the second support member  200 . 
         [0022]    Furthermore, illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3  is a mat  400  (which may be formed from a softgoods material) that can be positioned between the first support member  100  and the second support member  200  and beneath the arched member  300 . The mat  400  in the embodiments illustrated is substantially rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the mat  400  may be of a different shape, such as a circle, a square, a triangle, etc. The mat  400  has a first end  460 , a second end  462  opposite the first end  460 , and sides  464  that connect the first end  460  with the second end  462 . Because the mat  400  is in the shape of a rectangle, the sides  464  are longer in length than the first end  460  and the second end  462 . The mat  400  is positioned underneath the arched member  300  and between the first support member  100  and the second support member  200  so that the sides  464  are positioned proximate to the first legs  110 ,  210  and the second legs  130 ,  230  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200 . Moreover, as illustrated, the first end  460  is positioned proximate to the first legs  110 ,  210  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200 , while the second end  462  is positioned proximate to the second legs  130 ,  230  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200 . The mat  400  also includes a top surface  440  and a bottom surface  450  (illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, and 2C ). As best shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A , the mat  400  includes a pair of tethers  422  that extend outward from the sides  464  proximate to the first end  460 . The mat  400  additionally includes a second pair of tethers  420  that extend outward from the sides  464  proximate to the second end  462 . In other embodiments, pairs of tethers  420 ,  422  may be in another form, such as the connectors  430  illustrated in  FIGS. 2B and 2C , where the connectors  430  include tabs  432 . In yet other embodiments, the mat  400  may include fabric loops, string, straps (e.g., straps where the ends are sewn in a T formation to retain the strap within an aperture), plastic or metal buttons or hooks, or other similar attachment means to attach the mat  400  to the first support member  100  and the second support member  200 . In other embodiments, additional pairs of tethers may also be included. 
         [0023]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is the gym  10  in the first configuration A. In the first configuration A, the mat  400  is placed flat on the support surface with the top surface  440  facing upwards and the bottom surface  450  placed against the support surface. As previously explained, the mat  400  is positioned underneath the arched member  300  and between the first support member  100  and the second support member  200  so that the sides  464  are positioned proximate to the first legs  110 ,  210  and the second legs  130 ,  230  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the mat  400  is secured to the first and second support members  100 ,  200  via the tethers  420 ,  422 .  FIG. 1A  illustrates that, when the gym  10  is in the first configuration A, the first tethers  422  are inserted into the first apertures  124 ,  224  on the first legs  110 ,  210  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200 , respectively. Furthermore, the second tethers  420  are inserted into the second apertures  136 ,  236  on the second legs  130 ,  230  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200 , respectively. The insertion of the tethers  420 ,  422  into the apertures  124 ,  136 ,  224 ,  236  couples the mat  400  to the first and second support members  100 ,  200 . The tethers  420 ,  422  may contain ends that are capable of being inserted into the first and second apertures  124 ,  136 ,  224 ,  236  and are configured to prevent the tethers  420 ,  422  from accidentally sliding out of engagement with the apertures  124 ,  136 ,  224 ,  236 . The ends of the tethers  420 ,  422  may then, when desired, be slid out through the first and second apertures  124 ,  136 ,  224 ,  236  to decouple the tethers  420 ,  422 , and subsequently the mat  400 , from the first and second support members  100 ,  200 . 
         [0024]    The first configuration A is configured for an infant to lie in the supine position atop the mat  400  between the first and second support members  100 ,  200  and underneath the arched member  300 . As previously stated, hanging from the arched member  300  are first tether  340 , second tether  350 , and third tether  360 , which include first toy  342 , second toy  352 , and third toy  362 , respectively. By way of example, the hanging toys  342 ,  352 ,  362  may include a character comprising a head portion, a torso portion, and/or a leg portion. By way of further example, the characters may be stylized as domestic animals (e.g., a cat or a dog), wild animals (e.g., a raccoon, owl), comic book characters, cartoon characters, and/or humanoid figures. The hanging toys  342 ,  352 ,  362  may further include various colors, may be made of any suitable material (including teethable material), and may include materials having varying textures. The hanging toys  342 ,  352 ,  362  may further include noisemakers such as squeakers and rattles, as well as other entertainment features including, but not limited to, spinning portions, mirrors, lights, etc. The tethers  340 ,  350 ,  360  allow the hanging toys  342 ,  352 ,  362  to hang from the arched member  300  a distance that would encourage an infant to kick, reach, and bat at the hanging toys  342 ,  352 ,  362  while the infant is lying in the supine position. Finally, the balls  500  may remain stored in the channels  118 ,  218  of the first legs  110 ,  210  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200  by way of the gates  120 ,  220  being positioned in the closed position. 
         [0025]    Turning to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is the first embodiment of the second configuration B of the gym  10 . This second configuration B may be utilized by an infant once the infant is able to crawl and sit up without any additional support. In this second configuration, the mat  400  has been folded over so that the second end  462  of the mat  400  is positioned closer to the first end  460 , while also exposing a portion of the bottom side  450  of the mat  400 . Moreover, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the mat  400  is secured to the first and second support members  100 ,  200  via the tethers  420 ,  422 . Similar to the first configuration A, when the gym  10  is in the second configuration B, the first tethers  422  are inserted into the first apertures  124 ,  224  on the bottom portion  114 ,  214  of the first legs  110 ,  210  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200 , respectively. However, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A , the second tethers  420  are inserted into the third apertures  122 ,  222  on the top portion  112 ,  212  of the second legs  130 ,  230  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200 , respectively. As previously explained, the insertion of the tethers  420 ,  422  into the apertures  122 ,  124 ,  222 ,  224  couples the mat  400  to the first and second support members  100 ,  200 . The ends of the tethers  420 ,  422  may be configured to either lock the tethers  420 ,  422  into engagement with the apertures  122 ,  124 ,  222 ,  224  or slide out through the apertures  122 ,  124 ,  222 ,  224  to decouple the tethers  420 ,  422  from the first and second support members  100 ,  200 . 
         [0026]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , with the second pair of tethers  420  coupled to the third apertures  122 ,  222 , a portion of the mat  400  proximate to the second end  462  has been lifted off of the support surface and folded over. In this position, the second end  462  is hanging downwards from the coupling of the second pair of tethers  420  to the third apertures  122 ,  222  so that the second end  462  of the mat  400  is touching the top surface  440  of the mat  400 . Furthermore, the bottom surface  450  of the mat  400 , proximate the second end  462  is a first pocket  452 , a second pocket  454 , and a third pocket  456 . The pockets  452 ,  454 ,  456  may be mesh pockets (for example sewn on the bottom surface  450  of the mat  400 ). As illustrated, in the position of the mat  400  when the gym is in the second configuration B, the pockets  452 ,  452 ,  456  are substantially vertically oriented for the put and take placement of balls  500  into the pockets  452 ,  452 ,  456 . This second configuration B encourages an infant to sit on the top surface  440  of the mat  400  and remove balls  500  from the channels  118 ,  218  of the first legs  110 ,  210  of the first and second support members  100 ,  200  and place them in the pockets  452 ,  452 ,  456 . 
         [0027]      FIGS. 2B and 2C  illustrate a second embodiment of the mat  400 , the mat  400  being positioned in the second configuration B. Instead of the mat  400  having tethers  420 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 2A , this second embodiment of the mat  400  includes connectors  430  attached to the bottom surface  450  of the mat  400  proximate to the sides  464 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the connectors  430  include a tab  432  and a base  434 . The tab  432  and the base  434  are substantially rigid. As best illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the tab  432  is substantially L-shaped. As best illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the tabs  432  are inserted into the third apertures  122 ,  222  allowing the second end  462  of the mat  400  to be folded over and touching the top surface  440  of the mat  400 . As previously explained, the bottom surface  450  of the mat  400 , proximate the second end  462  has a first pocket  452 , a second pocket  454 , and a third pocket  456 . Moreover, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2C , because of the width and rigidity of the bases  434  of the connectors  430 , the bottom surface  450  of the mat  400  forms a shelf-like top surface that extends between the connectors  430  proximate to the pockets  452 ,  454 , and  456 . 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is a second embodiment of a gym  20  with the gym  20  in the second configuration B. As previously discussed, this second configuration B may be utilized by an infant once the infant is able to crawl and sit up without any additional support. Similar to the first embodiment, the second end  462  of the mat  400  has been partially lifted off of the support surface (but not folded over). While not illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the second end  462  of the mat  400  is attached to the first support member  100  and the second support member  200  utilizing similar engagement mechanisms to those of the pairs of tethers  420 ,  422  and the first and third apertures  122 ,  124 ,  222 ,  224  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . With the second end  462  of the mat  400  connected to the first and second support members  100 ,  200 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the mat  400  forms a curved surface. Moreover, this second embodiment of the gym  20  in the second configuration B includes a lower arched member  600  coupled to the first leg  110  of the first support member  100  and the first leg  210  of the second support member  200 . Opposite of that of the arched member  300 , the lower arched member  600  is curved where the lowest point on the lower arched member  600  is in the middle. However, similar to that of the arched member  300 , the lower arched member  600  has sidewalls  620  that define a channel  610  therebetween configured to receive balls  500 . The infant is encouraged to sit on the mat  400  and throw or place balls  500  into the channel  610  of the lower arched member  600 . Any balls  500  that do not make it into the channel  610  of the lower arched member  600  will be returned to the infant by rolling down the curved mat  400 . 
         [0029]    Turning to  FIG. 4 , illustrated is the gym  10  in the third configuration C. This third configuration C may be utilized by an infant once the infant is able to stand and walk without any additional support. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the mat  400  has been removed from between the first and second support members  100 ,  200  and from beneath the arched member  300 . Furthermore, the first toy  342  has been removed from the first tether  340  and coupled to the projections  116  on the bottom portion  114  of the first leg  100  of the first support member  100 , proximate to the gate  120 . In addition, the gate  120  has been repositioned to the open position, allowing any balls  500  that travel down the channel  118  of the first leg  110  to travel out of the first leg  110  of the first support member  100 . Similarly, the third toy  362  has been removed from the third tether  360  and coupled to the projections  216  on the bottom portion  214  of the first leg  200  of the second support member  200 , proximate to the gate  220 . The gate  220  of the second support member  200  has also been repositioned to the open position to allow any balls  500  that travel down the channel  218  and out of the first leg  210  of the second support member  200 . 
         [0030]    As further illustrated, the first toy  342 , when attached to the projections  116 , forms an archway proximate the end of the channel  118 , near the gate  120  of the first support member  100 . The first toy  342  is generally U-shaped with ends  346  that attach to the projections  116 . Moreover, the first toy  342  includes a paddle wheel  344  that spans from one end  346  to the other end  346 . The paddle wheel  344  is configured to spin about a generally horizontal axle. Therefore, when attached to the projections  116 , the paddle wheel  344  is positioned in the pathway of the channel  118 , and any balls  500  that travel out of the channel  118  will strike the paddle wheel  344 , causing the paddle wheel  344  to spin. When the paddle wheel  344  is spun, the first toy  342  may output a noise, such as ratcheting or rattling noises. 
         [0031]    Additionally, the third toy  362  includes an axle  364  with ends  366  that are attached to the projections  216 . The axle  364  of the third toy  362  extends through the body  368  of the third toy  362 , where the body  368  of the third toy  362  may be configured to spin about the horizontal axis of the axle  364 . When the third toy  362  is coupled to the projections  216  of the first leg  210  of the second support member  200 , the body of the third toy  362  is at least partially positioned in the pathway of the channel  218  of the second support member. Therefore, when balls  500  travel down the channel  218 , the balls  500  will strike the body  368 , causing the body  368  of the third toy  362  to spin. When the body  368  is spun, the third toy  362  may output a noise, such as ratcheting or rattling noises. 
         [0032]    When in the third embodiment C, the infant is encouraged to place balls  500  into the channel  310  of the arched member or into the lower opening  282  of the second support member  200 . As previously explained, a ball  500  that travels along the channel  310  of the arched member  300  toward the first side  370  of the arched member  300  would travel into the opening  180 , through the passageway  176 , down channel  118 , and out the first support member  100  while spinning the paddle wheel  344  of the first toy  342  on its way out of the channel  118 . Similarly, a ball  500  that travels along the channel  310  of the arched member  300  toward the second side  380  of the arched member  300  would travel into the upper opening  280 , through the passageway  276 , down the channel  218 , and out of the second support member  200  while spinning the body  368  of the third toy  362  on its way out of the channel  218 . A ball  500  placed into the lower opening  282  would travel through the remainder of the passageway  276 , into the channel  218 , and out of the second support member  200  while also spinning the body  368  of the third toy  362  on its way out of the channel  218 . The first toy  342  and the third toy  362  may be interchangeable in locations. Furthermore, in other embodiments, toys may always be positioned near the bottom portion  114 ,  214  of the first legs  110 ,  210  of the support members  100 ,  200 . Additionally, in other embodiments, additional toys can be placed near the outer and upper portions of support members  100  and  200  that, while not necessarily accessible to the younger baby in the supine position, would increase entertainment options for older toddlers who are able to walk around gym  10  or  20 . 
         [0033]    It is also to be understood that the gym of the present invention, or portions thereof may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic, foamed plastic, wood, cardboard, pressed paper, metal, supple natural or synthetic materials including, but not limited to, cotton, elastomers, polyester, plastic, rubber, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Suitable plastics may include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or the like. Suitable foamed plastics may include expanded or extruded polystyrene, expanded or extruded polypropylene, EVA foam, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. 
         [0034]    It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention. 
         [0035]    Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0