US20050176340A1 - Free-standing jumping device - Google Patents

Abstract

A support frame having a first end frame portion having an apex, a second end frame portion having an apex and spaced laterally from the first frame portion, and a ground-engaging portion coupled to each of the end frame portions is disclosed. A plurality of resilient members connect a seat to the frame, each running from the seat to a point on one of the end frame portions below the apex. The seat is suspended from the end frame portions.

Description

BACKGROUND
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The invention relates to children's activity toys, and more particularly to children's jumpers and free-standing jumpers.
• 2. Related Art
• There are numerous children's activity devices that are useful to entertain and stimulate children while providing some level of gross motor development. Swings, jumpers, bouncers and other similar devices are designed to keep a child entertained and stimulated in a safe location. Some of these devices can be cumbersome, difficult to store, and may not be adjustable to children of different sizes.
• Conventional jumpers can be attached to a frame or suspended from an available structure, such as a doorframe. Suspension jumpers that are attachable in doorways can impede movement of others through the doorway. Additionally, suitable doorframes are not always available or convenient. Moreover, such devices may be less secure than desirable for some caretakers.
• Some jumpers with support frames can be difficult to transport, and can be difficult for parents to find a convenient place to store them when not in use. These jumpers can also be difficult or impossible to adjust to children of different sizes.
• Thus, there is a need for a device that can be easily stored and moved. Also, a need exists for a jumper that is free-standing and easily adjustable with a stable base.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The invention includes a support frame having a first end frame portion with an apex, a second end frame portion having an apex and spaced laterally from the first frame portion, and a ground-engaging portion coupled to each of the end frame portions. The invention further includes resilient members configured to couple a seat to the frame, each running from the seat to a point below the apex on one of the end frame portions. The seat is suspended from the end frame portions.
• In embodiments of the invention, the device can include height adjustment mechanisms, and a collapsible frame. The height adjustment mechanisms can adjust various components of the frame, resilient members and seat. The collapsible frame can collapse in several different ways.
• These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate similar elements.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a generic embodiment of a device incorporating the principles of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a further generic embodiment of a device incorporating the principles of the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the device of the invention.
• FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the device illustrated inFIG. 3.
• FIG. 5 is a rear view of the device illustrated inFIG. 3.
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a resilient member connector of the device illustrated inFIG. 3, taken along line6-6 inFIG. 8.
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the seat attachment of the device illustrated inFIG. 3, taken along line7-7 inFIG. 5.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device illustrated inFIG. 3 in a first configuration.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device illustrated inFIG. 3 in a second configuration.
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the front resilient member connector of the device ofFIG. 3, taken along line10-10 ofFIG. 3.
• FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the height adjustment mechanism of the device ofFIG. 3, taken along section lines11-11 ofFIG. 5.
• FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of another alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention.
• FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a further alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention.
• FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of another alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Several embodiments of a children's entertainment device or toy incorporating the principles of the invention are shown inFIGS. 1-15. A general description of the device is presented first, followed by a description of various implementations.
• FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic illustrations of generic embodiments of the relationship of various components ofdevices100,200. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1,device100 includes aseat110, aframe130, andresilient members170coupling seat110 toframe130.Frame130 includesbase member132 and twoupright members134A,134B. Seat110 is suspended byresilient members170 between and byupright members134A,134B offrame130.
• In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2,device200 includesseat210,frame230, and at least oneresilient member270.Frame230 includesbase member232,vertical support234, andoverhead support236. Seat210 is suspended byresilient member270 fromoverhead support236 offrame230.
• Seats110,210 of each of the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, and other embodiments described herein, are configured to move (i.e., oscillate, reciprocate, etc.) when a vertical force is applied. Thus, a child sitting on theseat110,210 can repeatedly bounce upward and downward by either pushing against a surface supporting thedevice100,200 such as a floor, or otherwise allow themselves to drop towards the support surface. To allow children of different ages and sizes to enjoydevice100,200, the distance betweenseat110,210 and a support surface can be adjusted by changing the length and/or height of different members offrame130,230 orresilient members170,270.
• In each of the embodiments of the invention, the seat is spaced from the frame such that a child in the seat does not contact a frame member when positioned in the seat. Additionally, the frame has a sufficiently wide base (i.e., footprint) and the seat is attached to the frame such that the device or seat is difficult or impossible for the child to overturn.
• One implementation of the device discussed above is now described with reference toFIGS. 3-11.Device300 includes acontinuous loop frame330, andresilient members370A,370B,371A,371B configured to suspend aninfant support310 fromframe330.Frame330 includes several components that form two upright, substantially A-shapedportions334A,334B. The top of eachA-shaped portion334A,334B defines an apex238A,238B, respectively. The components offrame330 are described in greater detail below. TheA-shaped portions334A,334B are spaced laterally from and opposite one another and are coupled by afront base member332 and arear base member333.
• As shown inFIGS. 3-5,frame330 includesfront base member332 andrear base member333.Front base member332 is substantially U-shaped and includesfeet340 attached at the ground-engaging corners of the U-shape.Rear base member333 is similarly configured withfeet340.Feet340 are configured to substantially contact a support surface when thedevice300 is in a deployed configuration.Feet340 are slip-resistant to help maintaindevice300 in a desired location.Feet340 are plastic or rubber but can be made of other suitable materials.Feet340 can also have additional slip-resistant pads at the point wherefeet340 contact the support surface.
• Front base member332 has afirst end332A and asecond end332B.First end332A is slidably and adjustably coupled to first frontmid member342A throughheight adjustment mechanism350A. Similarly,second end332B is slidably and adjustably coupled to second frontmid member342B throughheight adjustment mechanism350B.Rear base member333 has a similar relationship with rearmid members343A,343B andheight adjustment mechanisms351A (not illustrated inFIG. 1),351B. The operation ofheight adjustment mechanisms350A,350B,351A,351B is described in further detail below.
• Frontmid members342A,342B are pivotably coupled to frontresilient member connectors360A,360B, respectively. Rearmid members343A,343B are fixedly coupled to rearresilient member connectors361A,361B, respectively.Resilient member connectors360A,360B,361A,361B are described in further detail below.
• Firsttop member336A is coupled toresilient member connectors360A,361A, completing uprightA-shaped portion334A, withfront portion344A of firsttop member336A being coupled to first frontresilient member connector360A and therear portion345A of firsttop member336A being coupled to first rearresilient member connector361A.Apex338A is located at the top of firsttop member336A, between and aboveresilient member connectors360A,361A. Similarly, secondtop member336B is coupled toresilient member connectors360B,361B, withfront portion344B of secondtop member336B being coupled to second frontresilient member connector360A and therear portion345B of secondtop member336B being coupled to second rearresilient member connector361B, withapex338B located between and aboveresilient member connectors360B,361B.
• Resilient members370A,370B,371A,371B are coupled toresilient member connectors360A,360B,361A,361B, respectively. The following description ofresilient member370B and its connection withresilient member connector360B, as illustrated inFIG. 6, is representative of each of the remainingresilient members370A,371A,371B and their connection with correspondingresilient member connectors360B,361A,361B, respectively.Resilient member370B includesconnection strap372,spring374. Acover376 is provided to cover theresilient member370B and to prevent pinch points inspring374 from being exposed asresilient member370B expands and contracts wheninfant support310 moves. Cover376 is fabricated from a material sufficiently thick to prevent pinching, but pliable enough to expand and contract withspring member374 during movement ofinfant support310. Suitable materials forcover376 include plastic, leather, nylon, rubber, and other like materials.
• Upper attachment378 ofconnection strap372 andupper attachment380 ofcover376 are wrapped and secured aroundfront portion344B of secondtop member336B. Cover376 coversconnection strap372 inside ofresilient member connector360B inside theresilient member connector360B as well as outside of theconnector360B such that thecover376 is not readily removable. Theconnection strap372 and cover376 extend throughstrap access aperture382.Connection strap372 is coupled tospring374 at a location outside of theresilient member connector360B.
• Each remainingresilient member370A,371A,371B is attached to its respectiveresilient member connector360A,361A,361B in the same manner described above forresilient member370B andresilient member connector360B. The attachment of each of theresilient members370A,370B,371A,371B toinfant support310 is discussed below with reference toresilient member370A.
• As illustrated inFIG. 7,resilient member370A includesspring374 andcover376.Lower attachment375 ofspring374 is coupled to apin312 ofinfant support310 throughaperture314.Pin312 is coupled totray316 ofinfant support310 withfasteners318.Lower attachment375 ofspring374 andlower attachment377 ofcover376 are wrapped aroundpin312, securingresilient member370A toinfant support310. Each remainingresilient member370B,371A,371B is attached toinfant support310 in a similar manner asresilient member370A described above.
• Referring again toFIGS. 3-5,infant support310 includes atray316 supporting asoft goods seat320.Various toys322 are attached totray316.Seat320 is made of a padded material suitable for comfortable seating of an infant or a child while usingdevice300.Seat320 can be coupled totray316 using various means.Seat320 can be rotatably coupled totray316 to allow an occupant to securely spin withintray316, or fixedly coupled with fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners, snaps, hooks, etc.Seat320 can also be removably coupled totray316.Seat320 can be coupled totray316 via a rigid or semi-rigid frame assembly (not shown).
• FIGS. 8 and 9show device300 in an expanded or extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, respectively. As shown inFIG. 9, the portion offrame330 includingfront base member332 andmid members342A,342B, is configured to pivot atresilient member connectors360A,360B.
• FIGS. 6 and 10 are different cross-sectional views ofresilient member connector360B and detail the pivot connection inresilient member connector360B, which is representative of the function ofresilient member connector360A.Resilient member connector360B has afirst half384 and asecond half385.First half384 andsecond half385 are coupled together withfasteners386, withfront portion344B ofupper frame member336B and second frontmid member342B disposed withinresilient member connector360B between thefirst half384 andsecond half385.
• Front portion344B ofupper frame member336B is fixedly coupled toresilient member connector360B withfasteners388. Second frontmid member342B is pivotably coupled toresilient member connector360B atpin390.Stops392,393 define a range of motion allowed by second frontmid member342B between the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration (represented by dashed lines inFIG. 10). Second frontmid member342B is held in the extended configuration with a spring-loadedpin394.Pin394 engages an aperture in second frontmid member342B andsecond half385 to lock second frontmid member342B in the extended configuration.Pin394 is biased in an engaged position byleaf spring395. When arelease button396B is pressed,pin394 is depressed into second frontmid member342B, allowing second frontmid member342B to pivot into the collapsed configuration. Second frontmid member342B pivots inresilient member connector360B aboutpin390 until it contacts stop393. To returnframe330 to the extended configuration, second frontmid member342B is rotated back towardsstop392 untilpin394 engagesresilient member connector360B, thereby lockingframe330 into the extended configuration.
• Bothrelease buttons396A,396B onresilient member connectors360A,360B must be released forframe330 to move from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration.Frame330 can be held in the collapsed configuration with straps, an additional lock location forpins394, a detent in theframe300 or connectors or other similar locking devices.
• FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view ofheight adjustment mechanism351A. The functionality ofheight adjustment mechanism351A is representative of the remainingheight adjustment mechanisms350A,350B,351B. In the illustrated embodiment, first rearmid member343A is fixedly coupled toheight adjustment mechanism351B. A lower end of first rearmid member343A is slidably engaged withfirst end333A ofrear base member333. By sliding first rearmid member343A withinrear base member333, the height of thedevice300 can be modified.
• Lockingpin352 engages an aperture in first rearmid member343A and one of a plurality ofapertures354 inrear base member333 to lock the device at a selected height. To releasepin352,release button357A is pressed.Release button357A pivots onhinge pin358 to pullpin352 away fromaperture354, thus allowing first rearmid member343A to slide withinrear base member333.Pin352 is biased byspring359 in an engaged position. Whenpin352 is released and themembers343A,333 are slid with respect to each other to adjust the height, pin352 automatically engages thenext aperture354 inrear base member333. The adjustment range of first rearmid member343A andrear base member333 is limited bystops355 inmembers343A,333 to prevent separation or over-engagement ofmember343A,333.
• Each of theheight adjustment mechanisms350A,350B,351A,351B is independently adjustable, but it is desirable for each adjustment mechanism to be set to the same height. Whendevice300 is in the collapsed configuration,height adjustment mechanisms350A,350B,351A,351B can also be adjusted to the shortest level to further collapseframe330 for transport or storage.
• Several different embodiments are illustrated inFIGS. 12-15 showing alternative frame collapsing and height adjustment configurations.FIG. 12 shows (in a side view)upright members434 ofdevice400 folding from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration (shown in dashed lines).Lower members432,433 each fold upward to a location substantially adjacent to upper frame portions436.
• FIG. 13 shows (in a front view) lower member532 ofdevice500 having several hingedportions539 allowing frame530 to collapse laterally from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration (shown in dashed lines) in an accordion-type manner.
• FIG. 14 shows (in a side view) hinged portions639 at apices638 allowingframe630 ofdevice600 to fold from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration (shown in dashed lines).
• FIG. 15 shows (in a side view)resilient member connectors750 having adjustment means for slidingresilient member connectors750 alongmid members742,743 to adjust the height ofinfant seat710 with respect to asurface supporting device700.
• While particular, illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and modifications exist that would not depart from the scope of the invention. For example, although the height adjustmechanisms350A,350B,351A,351B are disclosed above as operating withmid members342A,342B,343A,343B fixedly attached to theheight adjustment mechanism350A,350B,351A,351B andlower members332,333 slidably attached, in alternative embodiments, thelower members332,333 could be fixedly attached to one another, withmid members342A,342B,343A,343B being slidably attached.
• Although frame configurations having one and two upright members and one to four resilient members are disclosed above, in alternative embodiments of the invention, several different numbers of upright members and resilient members, (e.g., three upright members with three resilient members, etc.), and alternatives to the illustrated frame configurations exist that do not depart from the scope of the invention.
• Although the frame members discussed above are made of tube steel, other appropriate materials such as plastic can be used, and can have any cross-sectional configuration including solid members, square member, I-beam configurations or other shapes and configurations. Similarly hard plastic components such as the resilient member connectors, height adjustment mechanisms, tray, and feet, can be made from other suitable materials such as metal, stiff rubber, etc.
• Although the embodiments above show various different frame adjustment/collapsing configurations, any of the features of any of the embodiments can be used with any other embodiment where appropriate (e.g., hinged frame ofFIG. 12 can be used with the frame ofFIG. 14, etc.).
• Although height adjustment mechanisms and resilient member connectors are generally shown as separate components in the embodiments described above, a single component that adjusts the height of the frame and/or seat and collapses the frame can be used.
• Althoughheight adjustment mechanism351A of the embodiment shown inFIG. 11, as described above, shows rear base member end333A fixedly attached toheight adjustment mechanism351A andmid member343A extending into rear base member end333A, in an alternative embodiment,frame members343A,333A can be configured to slide past one another to adjust the height and either frame member can be fixedly attached toheight adjustment mechanism351A. Alternatively, theframe members333A,343A can be a single, unitary element along which theheight adjustment mechanism351A is configured to slide.
• Although several alternatives for collapsing the frame are described above, various combinations in the number and position of hinges, sliding frame members, and other adjustment/collapsing members do not depart from the scope of the invention (e.g., additional pivot joints can be supplied in various locations on the frame).
• Although the embodiments above do not specifically discuss electronics, different audio/visual devices and systems can be included. For example,tray316, includingtoys322, can include lights and audio output mechanisms that cause audio and visual feedback (e.g., colors, songs, sounds, etc.) Various actuators could also be employed to detect various movements of portions of a device according to the invention. Lights can be placed aroundtray316 or onframe330 that respond to a predetermined output or movement ofinfant support310 with respect toframe330. Similarly, a speaker can output a music or sounds in response to various inputs.
Conclusion
• While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
• The previous description of the embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A jumper, comprising:

a support frame having:

a first A-shaped frame portion having a first leg, a second leg and an apex;

a second A-shaped frame portion having a first leg, a second leg and an apex and spaced laterally from said first frame portion;

a ground-engaging portion coupled to each of said first and second frame portions;

a first resilient member having a first end coupled to at least one of said first leg and said second leg of said first frame portion substantially spaced beneath said apex of said first frame portion and an opposite, second end;

a second resilient member having a first end coupled to at least one of said first leg and said second leg of said second frame portion substantially spaced beneath said apex of said second frame portion and an opposite, second end; and

a seat coupled to said second end of each of said resilient members, whereby said seat is suspended from said first frame portion and said second frame portion by said resilient members.

2. The jumper ofclaim 1, wherein each of said first frame portion and said second frame portion is adjustable in height.

3. The jumper ofclaim 1, wherein each of said first frame portion and said second frame portion has a first lower end and a second lower end spaced from said apex and is disposable in a first, deployed configuration in which said first lower end is spaced from said second lower end and a second, stowed configuration in which said first lower end is proximate to said second lower end.

4. The jumper ofclaim 3, wherein said frame is adjustable in height in each of said first, deployed configuration and said second, stowed configuration.

5. The jumper ofclaim 1, further comprising a third resilient member having a first end coupled to said first frame portion substantially spaced from said apex of said first frame portion and an opposite, second end and wherein said seat is further coupled to said second end of said third resilient member.

6. The jumper ofclaim 5, further comprising a fourth resilient member having a first end coupled to said second frame portion substantially spaced from said apex of said second frame portion and an opposite, second end and wherein said seat is further coupled to said second end of said fourth resilient member.

7. The jumper ofclaim 1, wherein a length of said first resilient member and said second resilient member can be adjusted.

8. An apparatus, comprising:

a frame moveable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, said frame having:

a first frame member,

a second frame member,

a connector configured to receive at least a portion of said first frame member and at least a portion of said second frame member, at least one of said first frame member and said second frame member being slidably coupled to said connector, the first frame member thereby being axially slidably coupled with respect to said second frame member;

a seat; and

a plurality of resilient members coupled to said frame and said seat to suspend said seat from said frame.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein said connector is a first connector and further comprising a third frame member and a second connector configured to receive at least a portion of said first frame member and at least a portion of said third frame member, at least one of said first frame member and said third frame member being pivotably coupled to the connector.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein said third frame member is substantially V-shaped and is oriented such that the apex of the V is disposed at the upper end of said frame.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein said second frame member is substantially V-shaped and is oriented such that the apex of the V is disposed at the upper end of said frame, at least one of said plurality of resilient members being coupled to said second frame member, substantially spaced from the apex of said second frame member.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 8, said connector being a first connector and further comprising:

a third frame member, said second frame member and said third frame member being substantially V-shaped and oriented such that the apex of the V is disposed at the upper end of said frame; and

a second connector configured to receive at least a portion of said first frame member and at least a portion of said fourth frame member, at least one of said first frame member and said fourth frame member being slidably coupled to said second connector.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, further comprising a fourth frame member, said first frame member and said fourth frame member being substantially U-shaped and configured to support said frame on a support surface.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein said first connector and said second connector are configured to adjust the height of said seat with respect to a support surface.

15. An apparatus, comprising:

a frame moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration, said frame having:

a first front leg having a first portion, a second portion and a ground engaging portion, the first portion being pivotably coupled to the second portion,

a second front leg having a first portion, a second portion and a ground engaging portion the first portion being pivotably coupled to the second portion,

the first front leg and the second front leg being extended in the first configuration, and

the first front leg and the second front leg being folded in the second configuration;

a seat;

a plurality of height adjustment members configured to adjust a height of said seat with respect to a support surface; and

a plurality of resilient members disposed between said frame and said seat.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein said plurality of height adjustment members adjust the height of said frame.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein said first front leg and said second front leg are portions of a continuous front frame member.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 15, said frame further having a first upper member and a second upper member, each of said first and second upper members being substantially V-shaped with an apex, said first upper member being coupled to said first front leg, said second upper member being coupled to said second front leg.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein at least one of said plurality of resilient members is coupled to said first upper member substantially spaced from the apex of said first upper member, and at least one of said plurality of resilient members is coupled to said second upper member substantially spaced from the apex of said second upper member.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein at least one of said plurality of height adjustment members is disposed on each of said first front leg, and said second front leg.

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