Convertible device with multiple useful configurations

Abstract

The invention includes a base member configured to be parallel to a support surface, a support member pivotally coupled to the base member and an extension member. The support member is movable between a first configuration in which said support member is substantially perpendicular to the base member and a second configuration in which the support member is substantially parallel to the base member and said support surface. The extension member is movable between a first configuration in which the extension member is retracted and a second configuration in which the extension member is coupled to the support member and angularly disposed with respect to the support member.

1 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a base member configured to be substantially parallel to a support surface;    a support member pivotally coupled to said base member, the support member movable between a first configuration in which a side of said support member is substantially perpendicular to said base member and a second configuration in which said side of said support member is substantially parallel to said base member; and    an extension member being movable between a first configuration in which said extension member is retracted when said support member is in the first configuration associated with said support member and a second configuration in which said extension member is coupled to said support member and angularly disposed with respect to said support member when said support member is in the second configuration associated with said support member, said extension member being configured to substantially support the weight of a user when in its second configuration.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said extension member is disposed substantially beneath said base member in the first configuration.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , said extension member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to said support member and the second end is configured to engage a support surface.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , said side being a first side wherein said support member further includes a second side, the first side configured to engage the base member when said support member is in the second configuration associated with said support member, said extension member being pivotally coupled to said support member adjacent the second side.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of actuators configured to selectively output at least one of a visual output and an audible output.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said plurality of actuators are actuable when said support member is in each of the first configuration and the second configuration associated with said support member.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , further comprising at least one actuator coupled to said support member, the actuator being configured to output at least one of an audible output and a visual output.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said plurality of actuators are configured to each output a different one of said at least one of said visual output and said audible output when contacted.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a first arc member coupled to opposing sides of, and extending above said base member; and    a second arc member coupled to the opposing sides of, and extending above said base member, the second arc member being substantially parallel to said first arc member.    
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising: 
 at least one activity device, said at least one activity device being configured to be coupled to at least one of the first arc member and the second arc member.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said support member is disposed substantially between said first arc member and said second arc member.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said extension member is disposed proximate to said support member when said support member is in the first configuration associated with said support member.  
   
   
       13 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a substantially planar base member, said base member configured to contact a support surface;    a slide member; and    an activity member including a panel, the activity member being coupled to said base member, the activity member being disposable between a first configuration in which said panel is in an upright orientation, and a second configuration in which said slide member is deployed in a usable orientation and in which said panel is configured as a step adjacent said slide member, said slide member being configured to substantially support the weight of a user when in the usable orientation.    
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising: 
 a first arc member coupled to opposing sides of, and extending above said base member; and    a second arc member coupled to the opposing sides of, and extending above said base member, the second arc member being substantially parallel to said first arc member.    
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one activity device configured to be coupled at least one of said first arc member and said second arc member.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein said activity member is disposed adjacent an edge of said base member substantially between said first arc member and said second arc member.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said panel is pivotably coupled to said base member, the panel including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface configured as the step, and the second surface being positioned adjacent the base member in the second configuration.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein said second surface includes at least one actuator, the actuator being configured to output at least one of an audible output and a visual output.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising a plurality of actuators, at least one of said actuators being disposed within said activity member and configured to output at least one of a visual output and an audible output, at least one of said plurality of actuators being actuable when said activity member is in each of said first configuration and said second configuration.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein said plurality of actuators are configured to selectively output at least one of a plurality of sounds contained in a memory coupled to said plurality of actuators.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the slide member is rotatably coupled to said base member and is disposed substantially beneath said base member when said activity member is in the second configuration.  
   
   
       22 . A method, comprising: 
 pivoting a slide member from a retracted position to an extended position, the slide member being coupled to a substantially planar base member and configured to substantially support the weight of a user, the base member including a plurality of actuators configured to output at least one of a visual output and an audible output; and    pivoting a panel between an upright orientation and a substantially flat orientation, the panel coupled to the base member adjacent to the slide member.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the panel includes a first surface and a second surface, said pivoting the panel including contacting the second surface with the base member, the first surface being configured as a step surface when the second surface is contacting the base member.