Abstract:
A convertible infant activity center is configurable as a play mat, a seat-type device, and as a table-type device. Improper configuration of the device is prevented by an interlock which mechanically inhibits installation of the seat component when the device is not properly assembled in a seat-type device configuration. In its table configuration, the device can be arranged in a generally S-shaped form.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a child&#39;s activity center and, particularly, to a child&#39;s activity center which is convertible between a plurality of configurations. More particularly, the present invention relates to a child&#39;s activity center that is convertible between a play mat configuration, a seat configuration, and two play table configurations that includes an interlock to prevent assembly of the device in an improper configuration. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the related art 
         [0004]    A wide variety of infant and child exercise and entertainment devices are available in the marketplace. Some of these devices are limited in their utility because they are only appropriate for use by children within a narrow range of ages. For example, one presently available play mat device is appropriate for use by children from birth to four months of age and some presently available seat-type devices are only appropriate for use by children from four to twelve months of age. 
         [0005]    Some prior art devices are convertible between two configurations. For example, some devices are convertible between a seat configuration and a table configuration. Other devices are convertible between a play mat configuration and a seat configuration. Although some of these devices are improvements over the non-configurable devices, they are still limited in their utility because the remain appropriate for use by children within only a narrow range of ages. 
         [0006]    In addition, some prior art devices allow a child seated in the device to propel the device using his or her legs. This is not a preferred situation 
         [0007]    In sum, the prior art devices do not provide the important advantages of allowing multiple configurations and being appropriate for a wide range of ages while preventing an improper configuration of the device which may resulting in a potentially dangerous situation. Additionally, prior art devices do not provide the advantage of permitting configuration in an S-shaped table arrangement. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention relates to a child&#39;s activity center and components thereof. The activity center can be reconfigured into age-appropriate devices as a child develops from a newborn infant to an independently mobile toddler. 
         [0009]    It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a child activity center including: (a) a tray; (b) a pylon connected to the tray; (c) a seat connected to the tray; (d) a pylon lock connected to the tray and movable among a plurality of positions including an engaged position in which the pylon lock restrains movement of the pylon; and (e) a seat interlock connected to the tray, the seat interlock preventing installation of the seat in the tray if the pylon lock is engaged and preventing the pylon lock from being engaged if the seat is installed in the tray. 
         [0010]    More specifically, the pylon lock and the seat interlock may be incorporated into a combined assembly. Also, the activity center may further include a base connecting to the pylon. Additionally, the pylon lock may releasably couple with a portion of the pylon when engaged, thereby preventing articulation of the pylon relative to the tray. The activity center may also include a toy connected to the tray. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, the tray may include a plurality of tray portions. The tray portions may be connectable in plurality of configurations, including an annular arrangement and an S-shaped arrangement. 
         [0012]    It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a child activity center including: (a) a plurality of pylons; and (b) a tray connected to the pylons, the tray including a plurality of tray portions; wherein the tray portions are connectable in a plurality of configurations including a generally S-shaped configuration. 
         [0013]    More specifically, the activity center may include a seat connected to the tray. The activity center may further include an end cap connected to an end of at least one tray portion. The activity center may further include a toy connected to the tray. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, the activity center may further include a pylon lock connected to the tray, the pylon lock being movable among a plurality of positions including an engaged position in which the pylon lock restricts movement of at least one pylon. The activity center may further include a seat interlock connected to the tray, the seat interlock preventing installation of the seat in the tray if the pylon lock is engaged and preventing the pylon lock from being engaged if the seat is installed in the tray. More specifically, the pylon lock and the seat interlock may be incorporated into a combined assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, will be more fully understood from the following description of preferred embodiments, when read together with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of the major components of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a play mat configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a seat configuration; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an S-shaped play table configuration; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a round play table configuration; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed configuration; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seat assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pylon; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a pylon; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is an inverted perspective view of an embodiment of a tray assembly; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a detailed exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting point on an inverted tray assembly; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting point on an inverted tray assembly with a pylon upper pivot installed; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a base; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of an attachment point on a base. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    As shown best in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention child&#39;s activity center  10  includes four major components: a base  20 , four pylons  30 , a tray assembly  60 , and a seat assembly  80 . Additionally, a toy bar  12  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) can optionally be attached to the tray assembly  60 . The components of the activity center  10  can be assembled in several different configurations as depicted in  FIGS. 2-6 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  shows the activity center  10  in a play mat configuration. In this configuration, the toy bar  12  is affixed to the play mat  14 . In the exemplary embodiment, the toy bar  12  is molded plastic and the play mat  14  is composed primarily of soft fabric. To use the activity center in the play mat configuration, the child lies on the play mat  14  beneath the toy bar  12  where he or she can be entertained by the toys  16  attached to the toy bar  12 . The base  20 , pylons  30 , tray assembly  60 , and seat assembly  80  are not utilized in this configuration. This configuration is generally suitable for use by children from birth to four months of age. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  shows the activity center  10  in a seat configuration. Base  20  rests on a receiving surface. The pylons  30  are each connected to the base  20  and to the tray assembly  60 . The seat assembly  80  is installed in the tray assembly  60 . The seat configuration is generally suitable for use by children from four to twelve months of age and provides the advantage of restraining the child safely in the activity center  10  where the child has access to toys optionally included on the tray assembly  60 . The toy bar  12  can optionally be installed in toy bar receptacles  68  on tray assembly  60 . 
         [0033]    The seat configuration allows the child to rotate the seat assembly  80  within the tray assembly  60 . Additionally, the child can move the seat assembly  80  and tray assembly  60  vertically relative to the base  20  by applying and removing a downward force on the seat assembly  80  and/or tray assembly  60  as described in more detail below. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 4-5  show the activity center  10  in two play table configurations.  FIG. 4  illustrates an S-shaped play table configuration and  FIG. 5  shows a round play table configuration. In both play table configurations, pylons  30  rest on a receiving surface and are connected to the tray portions  62 / 63 . The base  20 , seat assembly  80 , and toy bar  12  are not connected to the other components of the activity center  10  in the tray configurations. The play table configurations are generally suitable for use by children one year of age and older. These configurations provide the advantage of allowing an independently mobile child to approach the activity center  10  from all sides and utilize toys optionally included on the tray portions  62 / 63 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  depicts the activity center  10  in the collapsed configuration. In this configuration, the pylons  30  are pivoted into generally horizontal positions while remaining connected to both the tray assembly  60  and the base  20 . The collapsed configuration provides the advantage of minimizing the space required to store or transport the activity center  10 . Additionally, the collapsed configuration is an intermediate step in converting the activity center  10  from the seat configuration to either of the play table configurations. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the seat assembly  80  comprises a seat ring  82  which is a generally annular molded plastic component in which a child can be placed when the seat is installed in the tray assembly  60 . When the activity center  10  is used in the seat configuration, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the seat ring  82  is placed within the circular opening defined by the tray assembly  60 . The seat ring  82  is not connected to the other components of the activity center  10  in the play mat or play table configurations. Slots  84  are provided to allow attachment of a removable fabric seat of conventional design as is well known in the art. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 8-9  depict an exemplary embodiment of a pylon  30 . The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes four pylons  30 , however it is within the scope of the invention to use one or more pylons  30 . Additionally, it is within the scope of the invention to use pylons  30  of other sizes, shapes, and configurations. 
         [0038]    Pylon  30  includes an upper pivot  32 , an upper segment  38 , a lower segment  40 , and a lower pivot  36 . The upper pivot  32  and lower pivot  36  are articulable relative to the upper segment  38  and lower segment  40 . 
         [0039]    Upper pivot  32  is connected to upper segment  38  by a pivot mount  49 . The pivot mount  49  allows articulation of the upper pivot  32  relative to the upper segment  38 . Upper pivot  32  includes cutouts  35  that permit and prevent motion of the tray assembly  60  relative to the pylons  30  as described below with regard to  FIGS. 11-12 . 
         [0040]    The upper segment  38  and lower segment  40  are slidingly connected such that the upper segment  38  slides within the lower segment  40 . By sliding the upper segment  38  within the lower segment  40 , the overall height of the pylon  30  is reduced. Similarly, as the upper segment  38  is withdrawn from the lower segment  40 , the overall height of the pylon  30  is increased. A latch  42  is provided on lower segment  40  and two segmented slots  34  are provided on upper segment  38  to lock the upper segment  38  in relation to the lower segment  40  at a plurality of positions. The height adjustment capability of the pylons  30  can be utilized to optimize the height of the seat assembly  80  above the base  20  in the seat configuration, shown in  FIG. 3 , and to optimize the height of the tray assembly  60  above the receiving surface in the play table configurations shown in  FIGS. 4-5 . The height adjustment can be performed to permit use of the activity center  10  by more than one child or to adjust the height as a single child grows. 
         [0041]    Lower pivot  36  is adapted to be releasably connected to lower segment  40 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , lower pivot  36  is connected to the lower segment  40  by an integrally-molded single knuckle hinge. Lower pivot  36  includes the knuckle  54  and lower segment  40  includes the pin  56 . The knuckle  54  has a split top and is flexible such that the pin  56  can be removed from and reinstalled in the knuckle  54 , thus allowing the lower pivot  36  to be detached from and reattached to the lower segment  40 . Additionally, the lower pivot  36  includes a latch  50  which engages lower segment  40  at slot  52 . When the latch  50  is engaged with the slot  52 , the lower pivot  36  is rigidly attached to the lower segment  40  and articulation of the lower pivot  36  relative to the lower segment  40  is inhibited. When the latch  50  is released from the slot  52 , the lower pivot  36  is articulable relative to the lower segment  40  around the hinge comprising the knuckle  54  and the pin  56 . 
         [0042]    Lower pivot  36  is also adapted to be connected to base  20  using a plurality of tabs  44  which are integrally molded extensions of the lower pivot  36 . Each tab is wedge-shaped such that it can easily be inserted into its corresponding slot  22  on base  20  (see  FIG. 14 ) but requires slight flexing by the user for removal. 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the underside of an embodiment of tray assembly  60 . A first tray portion  62  includes two connectors  64  of a first type. A second tray portion  63  includes connectors  66  of a second type. Each first type connector  64  is adapted to releasably couple with a second type connector  66 . 
         [0044]    Each tray portion  62 / 63  includes two pylon mounting points  70  where the upper pivots  32  of the pylons  30  are connected. Additionally, end caps  86 / 88  may be provided. End cap  86  is adapted to releasably couple with first type connector  64  and end cap  88  is adapted to releasably couple with second type connector  66 . End caps  86 / 88  may be releasably attached to the tray portions  62 / 63  for storage as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0045]    Tray portions  62 / 63  optionally include a plurality of toys, entertainment devices, or educational devices (hereafter “toys”) designed to be manipulated by the child using the activity center  10 . In the exemplary embodiment, the toys are releasably attached to the tray portions  62 / 63  at various points. It is within the scope of the invention to include a variety of age-appropriate toys that can be substituted for use by children of different ages. Additionally, it is within the scope of the invention to permanently affix some or all of the toys to the tray portions  62 / 63  in lieu of or in addition to utilizing releasably-mounted toys. It is also within the scope of the invention to include other releasably-attached objects (such as, but not limited to, trays, cups, bowls, or electronic devices) within, upon, attached to, or suspended from the tray portions  62 / 63 . 
         [0046]    Although the exemplary embodiment described herein includes a tray assembly  60  comprising two tray portions  62 / 63 , it is within the scope of the invention to use a tray assembly  60  comprising one or more tray portions. The tray portions may be substantially equal in size and/or shape or may be different sizes and/or shapes. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , each mounting point  70  is generally in the form of a hollow cylinder oriented approximately orthogonally relative to the underside of tray assembly  60 . The cylinder is adapted to accommodate a portion of an upper pivot  32  (see  FIG. 12 ). An open-coil helical compression spring  72  is placed between the end of the upper pivot  32  and the inside of the mounting point  70 . The upper pivot  32  is held within the mounting point by a retention ring  74 , which is secured to the mounting point  70  with a plurality of screws. The cylinder portion of the mounting point  70  is longer than the portion of the upper pivot  32  that is held within the mounting point  70  by the retention ring  74 ; thus the upper pivot  32  is slidable within the cylinder to compress the spring  72 . The spring  72  provides a force which pushes the upper pivot  32  in the outward direction such that the upper pivot rests against the retention ring when no external forces are applied. With the activity center  10  in its normal upright position, this feature permits the tray assembly  60  to be moved downward as a downward force is applied to the tray assembly  60 . When the downward force is removed, the tray assembly  60  returns to its full height due to the force of the spring  72 . 
         [0048]    Also shown in  FIG. 11  are lock bolt  76  and lock spring  78 . Lock bolt  76  is composed of molded plastic and is slidingly connected to the lower surface of tray assembly  60  in a generally radial direction. Lock spring  78  is an open-coil helical compression spring which contacts the lock bolt  76  and the tray assembly  60 . The lock spring  78  applies a horizontal force on the lock bolt  76  in a direction generally radially outward from the center of the annulus formed by the tray assembly  60 . As further described below, the lock bolt  76  serves two functions: locking the pylon  30  and providing an interlock with the seat assembly  80 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 11  also depicts ribs  71  which interact with the cutouts  35  on the upper pivots  32  to allow the tray assembly to move vertically relative to the pylons  30  when the pylons  30  are in the unlocked position but prevent motion when the pylons  30  in locked position. In the unlocked position, the ribs are aligned with the cutouts  35 . In the locked postion, the ribs  71  are not aligned with the cutouts  35  and relative motion between the tray assembly  60  and the pylons  30  is thereby inhibited. 
         [0050]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the upper pivot  32  installed in the underside of tray assembly  60 . As discussed above, upper pivot  32  is held within the mounting point  70  by retention ring  74 .  FIG. 12  shows the pylon  30  in the locked position: lock bolt  76  is engaged with lock portion  48  of the upper segment  38 , thereby preventing the upper segment  38  of the pylon  30  from pivoting relative to the upper pivot  32 . Additionally, in the locked position, the lock bolt  76  extends radially inward into the center of the annulus formed by the tray assembly  60 . The portion of the lock bolt  76  extending beyond the inner surface of the annulus of the tray assembly prevents the installation of the seat assembly  80 . 
         [0051]    The pylon can be rotated ninety degrees to engage and disengage the lock bolt  76 . When viewing the lower surface of the tray assembly  60 , the pylon  30  is locked when it is rotated to its most counter-clockwise position as shown in  FIG. 12 . As the pylon  30  is rotated clockwise, the lock bolt  76  disengages from the lock portion  48  of the upper segment  38  but is maintained in contact with the cam surface  46  due to the force of the lock spring  78 . The cam surface  46 a is shaped such that as the pylon  30  is rotated clockwise, the lock spring  78  retracts the lock bolt  76 . As the pylon  30  is rotated clockwise ninety degrees, the lock bolt  76  is retracted from the center of the annulus formed by the tray assembly  60  and installation of the seat assembly  80  becomes possible. 
         [0052]    The interactions of the lock bolt  76  with the pylon  30 , tray assembly  60 , and seat assembly  80  provide several advantages. First, installation of the seat assembly  80  is inhibited when the lock bolt  76  is engaged. Because the pylons  30  must be locked when the activity center  10  is used in either of the table configurations, the lock bolt  76  prevents installation of the seat assembly  80  when the activity center  10  is used in a table configuration. This prevents the potentially unsafe situation in which a child is sitting in the seat assembly  80  without the base  20  installed. This condition is potentially unsafe because the child&#39;s feet may touch the receiving surface and the child may be able to propel the activity center  10  towards a hazard, such as stairs, a dangerous appliance, a swimming pool, etc. Similarly, the pylons  30  cannot be rotated into the locked position while the seat  80  is installed, thus preventing the same potentially unsafe condition. 
         [0053]    Second, locking the pylons  30  prevents articulation of the upper pivots  32  relative to the upper segments  38  of the pylons  30 . As such, the pylons  30  are held in an orientation generally orthogonal to the tray portions  62 / 63 . This allows the activity center  10  to be configured in the table configurations wherein the base is not used. Without the lock feature, the pylons could pivot, causing the table to collapse. 
         [0054]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a base  20 . The base  20  is generally circular and is molded of plastic. The base  20  includes four attachment points  24  to which the lower pivots of the pylons  30  can be connected. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 14 , each attachment point  24  includes three slots  22  into which tabs  44  on pylons  30  are received. Each slot  22  is generally curved and is longer than the tabs  44 . This facilitates limited rotation of the pylons  30  relative to the base  20 . Limited rotation of the pylons  30  is necessary as the activity center  10  is placed in and restored from the collapsed configuration. Corresponding limited rotation of the upper pivots  32  relative to the tray assembly  60  is provided by free play in the upper pivot  32  in the unlocked position. 
         [0056]    To convert the activity center  10  from the seat configuration (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to a table configuration (shown in  FIGS. 4-5 ), the user first places the activity center  10  into its collapsed configuration (shown in  FIG. 6 ). This is accomplished by releasing the latches  50  on the lower pivots  36  and then rotating the tray assembly  60  clockwise when viewed from above relative to the base  20 . The rotation causes the pylons  30  to pivot into a generally horizontal orientation which reduces the vertical distance between the tray assembly  60  and the base  20 . At this point, the activity center  10  is in the collapsed configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0057]    To continue the conversion to the table configurations, the user removes the seat assembly  80  from the tray assembly  60 . The user then separates the base  20  and lower pivots  36  from the lower segments  40 . This is accomplished by removing the hinge pins  56  from the hinge knuckles  54 . 
         [0058]    Next, the user removes the end caps  86 / 88  from their storage locations on the lower surface of the tray assembly  60  and separates the tray portions  62 / 63 . The user then reconnects the tray portions  62 / 63  in an S-shaped configuration and attaches the end caps  86 / 88  to the free end of the tray portions  62 / 63 . Finally, the pylons  30  are locked by rotating them counterclockwise and the activity center  10  is placed in its upright position. At this point, the activity center is in the S-shaped table configuration depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0059]    Alternately, the tray portions  62 / 63  can remain connected in the generally annular arrangement if the round play table configuration is desired. The end caps  86 / 88  remain in their storage locations, pylons  30  are locked by rotating them counterclockwise, and the activity center  10  is placed in its upright position. The activity center is then in the round table configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0060]    The ages of suitability for the various configurations of the exemplary embodiment described above are merely recommendations based on assumptions regarding child development. It is assumed, generally, that children develop adequate head control to sit upright independently by four months of age and begin walking without substantial assistance by twelve months of age. The play mat configuration of the present invention is most suitable for use by children who have yet to develop sufficient muscular strength and control to maintain themselves in a seated position. The seat configuration is most suitable for children who can sit upright without assistance but who are not yet independently ambulatory. The table configurations are most suitable for children who are capable of walking unaided. 
         [0061]    Following from the above description and invention summaries it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the systems and processes herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that the invention is not limited to these precise systems and processes and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly listed in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claim, as the invention is defined by the claims and because inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.