An air table system is provided. Such a system includes an air table that includes a plurality of holes or perforations, a fan that blows air through the plurality of holes or perforations when activated, a puck component that glides across the air table when the fan blows the air through the plurality of holes or perforations, and an air activated component. The air activated component is positioned around an edge of the air table and includes an air activatable feature configured to be activated by the air when the air activated component is placed on the air table.

A modular mobile and accessory system, includes a flexible rod made of an elongated flexible member wrapped with a relatively softer material. The flexible rod has end caps on either or both ends, which end caps releasably engage corresponding accessory caps on an accessory, such as a toy or other item. The system includes a wearable headband for handsfree use of a toy or mobile to entertain a child. Other uses are contemplated, such as attaching the rod to a claw element which is secured to a crib or other fixed surface or element.

A method is provided for designing a garment having a plurality of surfaces. The method includes selecting at least one surface from the plurality of surfaces to serve as a tactile stimulating surface. The method further includes selecting a texture for the at least one surface, different from that of at least a majority of the plurality of surfaces, configured to provide tactile stimulation to a touch sensing organ.

A tummy time promotion device may include a center panel, a first panel attached at a first angle to the center panel, and a second panel attached at a second angle to the center panel. The device may also include a mirror operatively attached to the center panel and a first visual stimulus element operatively attached to the first panel. Additional visual stimulus elements may be included on additional panels. In some configurations, the tummy time promotion device will have an intersection point of the center panel, the first panel, and the second panel at approximately 7-12 inches from the center panel.

A method is provided for designing a garment having a plurality of surfaces. The method includes selecting at least one surface from the plurality of surfaces to serve as a tactile stimulating surface. The method further includes selecting a texture for the at least one surface, different from that of at least a majority of the plurality of surfaces, configured to provide tactile stimulation to a touch sensing organ.

Apparatus (2) for providing an animated image for a viewer, which apparatus comprises: (i) a device (4, 6, 10, 12) for providing the animated image; and (ii) securing means (14) for securing the apparatus (2) to a part (16) of a structure (18) such that the apparatus (2) is fixed with respect to the structure (18), and such that the device (4, 6, 10, 12) is operable by the viewer in order for the viewer to see the animated image.

A modular toy assembly. The modular toy assembly includes sliding play modules defined by a channel extending through each slidable play module. Each channel has at least one flat inner side that permits sliding of each slidable play module and prevents rotation of the slidable play module. A module support shaft extends through each channel to hold the sliding play modules. The module support shaft has a flat outer side having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to that of each channel of the play modules, so that the play modules are restricted from rotating about the axis of the module support shaft. A pair of side mounts support the assembly. The module support shaft detachably couples to the side mounts. The module support shaft can be removed from one end to interchange play modules. A first and second leg may attach the assembly to a surface. A travel adaptor end might include pieces/Velcro/hook and loop pieces that allow the contraption to be attached to other surfaces.

Systems and methods are disclosed for autonomously soothing babies. An example method may include receiving a first sound input from a microphone, processing the first sound input, determining a baby status based at least in part on the first sound input, determining an output action based at least in part on the baby status; and implementing the output action at the children's apparatus.

A method for occupying a toddler may include providing a flexible mat; affixing the flexible mat to a vertical surface; providing an elongated tether; affixing the elongated tether to at least one of the vertical surface and the flexible mat; coupling an object to the elongated tether. In some embodiments, the elongated tether has an anchor end and a retention end. The retention end may have one or more retention apertures, each characterized by a retention-aperture diameter, and a retention terminus characterized by a retention diameter being greater than the retention-aperture diameter. Coupling an object to the elongated tether may include disposing the retention end around or through the object and disposing the retention terminus through one of the one or more retention apertures to form a compression fit.

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