System and Apparatus for Universally Mounting Toys

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. A device for mounting a toy for a baby or child on and across a variety of differently sized and/or oriented structures, comprising: an adjustable center bar having a first end and a second end; an adjustable first leg and an adjustable second leg, each adjustable leg having a top and bottom end, the top end of each first and second leg lockably securable to one each of the first and second ends of the adjustable center bar; and a first and second clamp disposed respectively on the bottom end of one each of the first and second legs.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one means for adjustably securing a toy to said center bar.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said means for adjustably securing a toy comprises a first end and a second end, wherein said first end comprises a means for releasably securing said means for securing a toy to said center bar, and wherein said second end comprises a means for releasably securing a toy.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said toy is a steering wheel.

5. A universal toy mount, comprising: a telescoping center bar having a first end and a second end respectively and removably securable to a first and a second leg, each of the first and second legs terminating in a clamping member; and means for adjustably securing one or more child engagement devices to the telescoping bar.

6. The toy mount of claim 5 wherein said means for adjustably securing one or more child engagement devices comprises a first end and a second end, wherein said first end comprises a means for releasably securing said means for securing one or more child engagement to said telescoping bar, and wherein said second end comprises a means for releasably securing one or more child engagement devices.

7. The toy mount of claim 6 wherein said one or more child engagement devices is a steering wheel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a universal toy mount assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an apparatus for universally mounting toys.

[0021] FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an apparatus for universally mounting toys according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of an apparatus for universally mounting toys according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The disclosed embodiments may be better understood by referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided below. The attached figures are provided as non-limiting examples for providing an enabling description of the method and system claimed. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without some of the details included in order to provide a thorough enabling description of such embodiments. Well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0025] In an embodiment, the system may comprise an apparatus for universally mounting toys and a structure for mounting the apparatus thereon. For example, in one embodiment and with reference to FIG. 1, the structure for mounting the apparatus may be a stroller 10, sometimes referred to as a carriage or buggy, for securely pushing a baby, toddler or small child. Other structures are contemplated though. For instance, telescoping, clamping, and other features of the apparatus, which will be discussed in greater detail below, may permit the apparatus to mount to and across various other structures such as car seats, high chairs, play pens, and cribs, even where there exist unique models of such structures. For the sake of brevity, the system and apparatus will be discussed with reference to and relative to the exemplary stroller 10 in FIG. 1, however, it should be understood that the apparatus may be universally mounted to, for example only and not limitation, any of a variety of uniquely manufactured strollers, high chairs, play pens, or even beds, among others.

[0026] Referring to the stroller 10 in FIG. 1, such structures may feature a guard rail 12, or lap bar, and structural side bars 14. In some embodiments, the guard rail 12 may be formed as a pivoting or removable tray for supporting items such as a bottle or toy, though here it is illustrated as a simple elongated rail for the purpose of illustration. A universal toy mount 20 is shown to be secured to the stroller 10 from the guard rail 12 so that the mount 20 spans the width of the seat portion 16 of the stroller 10. Though mounted from the guard rail 12, it is contemplated that the universal mount may be attached to the chosen structure from any convenient position. Thus, for example, the universal mount 20 may be alternatively mounted across the seat portion 16 by attachment to the structural side bars 14. The universal mount may even be mounted across the seat portion 16 by attachment at one point to the guard rail 12 and by attachment at another point to a structural side bar 14. Thus, precise mounting position is not limiting. In fact, the universal toy mount 20 may be releasably secured to a structure according to any convenient position or orientation that a user might desire.

[0027] With more particularity and with reference to FIG. 2, the universal mount 20 may comprise a center bar 22 having a first end 23a and a second end 23b. In some embodiments, the center bar 22 may comprise rugged plastic, silicone, and/or metal materials having portions that slidably nest with one another to enable telescoping. That is, the length of the center bar 22 from first end 23a to second end 23b may be adjusted by pulling or compressing the ends to optionally lengthen or shorten the bar as desired in order to adaptably span varying widths of child confinement spaces. This may also be achieved, for example, by providing a center bar 22 defined by compressible accordion folds. As another example, this may also be achieved by providing the center bar 22 as a plurality of lengths that may be optionally, screwably secured to one another. Thus, the telescoping capability of the center bar 22 illustrated in the figures is offered by way of example only and not for limitation, and one skilled in the art will recognize that other methods and configurations are available to adjust the size of a bar.

[0028] Next, a first and a second leg 24a, 24b are removably connectable to one each of the first and second ends 23a, 23b of the center bar 22. In an embodiment, the legs 24a, 24b may be mateably connectable to the first and second ends 23a, 23b of the center bar 22. In FIG. 2, it may be seen that exemplary means for connecting the first and second ends 23a, 23b of the center bar 22 to the legs 24a, 24b may be a screw 26 that is threadably mateable with one each of the first and second ends 23a, 23b of the center bar 22.

[0029] Additionally, the legs 24a, 24b, may be vertically adjustable so that the height of the universal toy mount 20 relative to the mounting structure may be altered. In some embodiments, the legs 24a, 24b may comprise screwably adjustable portions 30, however, it is contemplated that the legs 24a, 24b may instead, or additionally, comprise lockably telescoping portions as well.

[0030] Furthermore, it is contemplated that the angle of the center bar 22 with respect to the first and second legs 24a, 24b may be adjusted by way of a lockable joint 28 disposed on each of the first and second legs 24a, 24b. When not in use, the joints 28 may be unlocked to enable folding the legs 24a, 24b in line with the center bar 22 so that the universal toy mount 20 may define a low profile for convenient storage. Of course, it is also contemplated that the legs 24a, 24b may also be wholly disconnected from the center bar 22 so that the universal toy mount 22 may be stored as separated pieces.

[0031] Even further, a plurality of adjustable clamps may be provided to enable a user, such as a parent or caregiver, to secure the adjustable center bar 22 and legs 24a, 24b in an assembled state, as shown in FIG. 3A, to a support structure, such as the aforementioned stroller. Thus, in an embodiment, each leg 24a, 24b may terminate in a clamp 32. It is contemplated that any possible clamp may be used to secure the universal toy mount 20 to a support structure, however, in some embodiments, flexible, notched, band-type clamps are contemplated for their ability to flexibly grip non-uniform or otherwise irregularly shaped objects. As may be seen in FIG. 3B, for example, clamp 32 may be formed as slidably adjustable and lockable jaws opposing one another to forcibly grip a structure. Natural or synthetic rubber and/or other materials may be provided on portions of the jaws to increase friction, thereby minimizing any risk that the universal toy mount 20 slips from its mounted position during use. Thus, in the even that a user wishes to secure the universal toy mount 20 to different types of support structures, he or she will not be limited by the form of clamp comprising the mount 20. Indeed, it is contemplated that a band clamp may be wrapped around any convenient portion of a structure, such as an arm rest portion, safety rail, structural support, etc. having any possible cross-sectional shape. Providing the clamps 32 in materials such as rubber, silicone, and others associated with high friction may also improve security of any grip achievable by the clamp, preventing undesirable slipping and rotation while the universal toy mount 20 is in use. Even further, the clamps 32 may be a ratcheting band clamps to enable easy tightening and loosening around the support structure.

[0032] Finally, means for securing 34 a toy and/or other device for engaging or distracting a child is provided and illustrated in each of FIGS. 1-3. The means for securing 34 a toy, for example, may be another clamp configured to adjustably grip the center bar 22 of the universal toy mount 20, which also features means for attaching 36 a toy thereon. For example, in FIG. 1, it may be seen that a steering wheel toy 38, which engages a child by allowing him or her to imagine that he or she is “driving” the stroller 10. Returning to FIGS. 2 and 3, the means for attaching 36 may be, in some embodiments, a channel sized to threadably or slideably receive a connector such as a peg 40 or screw, which may in turn be attached to the toy or other engagement device. In other embodiments, the means for attaching may be a suction cup, releasable adhesive, or even opposing hook and loop fasteners.

[0033] Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that the means for securing 34 a toy may be placed anywhere along the center bar 22 and may be adjustably secured at any angle with respect to the center bar 22, legs 24a, 24b, and even support structure.

[0034] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0035] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0036] While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, materials comprising the center bar and legs may differ according to various desires for rigidity and ruggedness. In some embodiments, portions of the center bar and legs may even be coated or wrapped with materials such as silicone and vinyl to protect underlying materials and/or enhance comfort for a child engaging with the device. Other aesthetic considerations may also influence the particular appearance of the system and apparatus without affecting the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).

[0037] The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0038] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the system and apparatus for universally mounting toys with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the system and apparatus for universally mounting toys to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed system, method and apparatus. The above description of embodiments of the system and apparatus for universally mounting toys is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.

[0039] While specific embodiments of, and examples for the system and apparatus are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.

[0040] While certain aspects of the system and apparatus disclosed are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the system and apparatus for universally mounting toys.