Reconfigurable infant support structure

#The present disclosure is directed to an infant support structure that can be deployed in multiple configurations and orientations, which enables various use patterns for an infant.

#Various types of infant support structures exist that provide a parent or caregiver a structure that can be used to support an infant. Often, infant support structures typically only have one type of play pattern or use. For example, an infant support structure that includes a seat component that supports an infant in a seating orientation usually can only be used when the infant is in the seat component. Similarly, an infant support structure that has walls defining a receptacle in which an infant can be placed can be used to retain the infant in the receptacle. Each of these infant support structures requires space for use and storage. Parents who own multiple infant support structures often find themselves burdened by the cost of purchasing multiple infant support structures, which can be costly. In addition to the cost burdens, having to own multiple infant support structures also creates a space burden on parents and caregivers since each infant support structure takes up a significant amount of space within a home, even if it is capable of being placed in a storage configuration.

#Therefore, what is needed is an infant support structure that provides a parent or caregiver alternative modes for supporting an infant, thereby providing the parent or caregiver with support options and a longer time that an infant can be supported and entertained by the single infant support structure.

#The infant support structure presented herein may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. It should be understood that some elements in the figures may not necessarily be to scale and that emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles disclosed herein. In the figures, like-referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

#FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an infant support structure in a deployed configuration in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

#FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the infant support structure illustrated in FIG. 1 in another deployed configuration.

#An infant support structure may have multiple deployed configurations or orientations and a collapsed configuration or orientation. The infant support structure may include a support frame having a platform, a seat portion, and legs coupled to the platform. The infant support structure may also include a flexible material coupled to a support member that is engageable with each of the legs. In one deployed configuration or orientation, an infant can be placed in the seat portion. In another deployed configuration or orientation, an infant can be placed in a receptacle or play area formed by the flexible material. To facilitate transportation and storage, the infant support structure can be manipulated to a collapsed configuration.

#Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an infant support structure is illustrated. In this embodiment, the infant support structure 10 is illustrated in a deployed configuration 30, which is a configuration useable with early stage infant development. This configuration 30 can be referred to as a bassinet mode for the infant support structure 10.

#As shown, the infant support structure 10 includes a support frame 100 that can be used to support an infant (not shown). In this configuration 30, the infant support structure 10 is in a first orientation 32 relative to the support surface 5. The infant support structure 10 has a first end 50 and an opposite second end 52. In this orientation 32, the first end 50 can be referred to as a lower end relative to the support surface 5, and the second end 52 can be referred to as an upper end relative to the support surface 5.