Lightweight Modular Play Structure

Abstract

A stable, safe, lightweight modular play structure for encouraging and supporting ambulatory motion by one or more infants and which may be selectively assembled in a variety of configurations in an enclosed, modular unit

1 . A lightweight, low-storage volume modular play structure comprising:
 at least one infant grasping bar adapted to be safely grasped by an infant and used by the infant to pull themselves to a standing position;   at least one base bar; and   at least one support structure connecting said at least one infant grasping bar to said at least one base bar which can be sold as a toy and selectively assembled in multiple configurations and to be utilized as a stable support structure for an infant in pulling themselves up and supporting ambulatory motion.   
   
   
       2 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  which further includes at least one anti-tip structure which prevents said lightweight modular play structure from tipping when grasped by an infant and force is applied by the infant to attempt to pull themselves to an upright standing position. 
   
   
       3 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  which further includes at least one anti-tip structure which further includes at least one connector which allows said at least one infant grasping bar, said at least one base bar and said at least one base bar to be selectively assembled and disassembled to form multiple configurations. 
   
   
       4 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  wherein said infant grasping bar, said base bar and said support structure are each tubular and light weight, having a weight of less than 32 ounces. 
   
   
       5 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  wherein the structure comprises modular components for selective assembly for use and disassembly for transport or storage. 
   
   
       6 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  wherein said at least one connector and a component selected from a group consisting of said at least one infant grasping bar, support bar and leg are attached by screwing together threaded components. 
   
   
       7 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  wherein said at least one connector and a component selected from a group consisting of said at least one infant grasping bar, support bar and leg are attached by snapping together structurally configured attachable components which are created by a process consisting of molding or machining. 
   
   
       8 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  wherein the modular components are adapted to be stored in a small space having dimensions of less than  5  feet by two feet when disassembled. 
   
   
       9 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 2  wherein the modular components are adapted to be joined by at least one connector which is selected from a group of shapes consisting of elbow-shaped, curved, T-shaped, L-shaped, S-shaped and straight fittings. 
   
   
       10 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  wherein the structure is constructed of a group consisting of plastic and aluminum. 
   
   
       11 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  which further includes a mat. 
   
   
       12 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 1  wherein said infant grasping bar further includes at least one textured grasping surface. 
   
   
       13 . A lightweight modular play structure comprising:
 at least one infant grasping bar adapted to be safely grasped by an infant and used by the infant to pull themselves to a standing position resisting downward and angular forces imposed by the infant;   at least one base bar;   at least one connector connecting said at least one infant grasping bar to said at least one base bar which can be selectively assembled in multiple configurations and to be used as a stable support structure for an infant in pulling themselves up and supporting ambulatory motion;   said at least one infant grasping bar, said at least one base bar and said at least one support structure selectively attached to form an enclosed special structure to safely support ambulatory motion by the infant within said enclosed area.   
   
   
       14 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 13  wherein said infant grasping bar, said base bar and said support structure are each tubular and lightweight, having a weight of less than 32 ounces. 
   
   
       15 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 13  wherein the structure comprises modular components for selective assembly for use and disassembly for transport or storage and which has dimensions of no more than 5 feet by 2 feet when disassembled. 
   
   
       16 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 13  which further includes a component selected from the group consisting of a mat, an infant stimulation device, a textured grasping surface. 
   
   
       17 . A lightweight modular play structure which may be used by one or more infants in ambulatory motion comprising:
 at least one infant grasping bar adapted to be safely grasped by an infant and used by the infant to pull themselves to a standing position resisting downward and angular forces imposed by the infant;   at least one base bar which stabilizes the device;   at least one support structure connecting said at least one infant grasping bar to said at least one base bar which can be selectively assembled in multiple configurations and to be used as a stable support structure for an infant in pulling themselves up and supporting ambulatory motion; and   said at least one infant grasping bar, said at least one base bar and said at least one support structure are selectively attached to form an enclosed special structure to safely support ambulatory motion by the infant within said enclosed area.   
   
   
       18 . The lightweight modular play structure of  claim 17  which further includes optional support structures to accommodate contemporaneous use of said lightweight modular play structure by more than one infant.