Hedstrom Co.

Raymond W Boucher

William H Ziegler, Jr

A play gym comprising a horizontal bar from which swings and other rides are suspended is supported at its opposite ends by legs. Special pivot joints connect the pairs of legs to the horizontal bar which permit each pair of legs to be folded together and against the horizontal bar so that the gym can assume a stick-like configuration. When the legs are unfolded to support the horizontal bar, parts of the pivot joints engage the ends of the horizontal bar thereby preventing end-wise movement and racking of the play gym. Provision is also made for substituting one pair of legs by a horizontal pivot arrangement which can be secured to a vertical support so that the gym can be used in a small area and be folded out of the way against the support when not in use.

Foldable play gym

A foldable child walker includes two inverted U-shaped frame members pivotally joined at intermediate points in a scissor-like fashion. The lower, or free, ends of the legs of the frame members are pivotally mounted to an annular base supported on a plurality of castered wheels. A flexible seat is suspended from the upper lateral portions of the frame members. Various mechanisms allow folding of the walker into a flat, compact package, convenient for storage or carrying. For example, in one embodiment, one of the two frame members has telescoping legs which are locked in selected positions of adjustment by spring-loaded release buttons to maintain the walker in selected upright positions above the base. When the walker is unoccupied, each button can be released to fold the frame members into a flat position against the base. In another embodiment, the legs in one of the two frame members are articulated below the pivotal connection the other frame member. Suitable locks are provided to maintain the legs extended in each so that the walker remains upright. To fold the walker, the locks are released allowing the legs to break so that the frame members are moved into a flat position against the base. In still another embodiment, the base is composed of two semicircular base members hinged together by knuckle joints. The knuckle joints allow the base members can be folded in only one direction, i.e. by moving the base members so that their lower surfaces face each other. Folding the base members in this manner also folds the frame members into a flat position in essentially the same plane as the folded base members. Each embodiment of the walker can be modified to serve as a bouncer.

Growing community of inventors

Dotham, AL, United States of America

Raymond W Boucher