Convertible infant activity center

Abstract

A convertible infant activity center is configurable as a play mat, a seat-type device, and as a table-type device. Improper configuration of the device is prevented by an interlock which mechanically inhibits installation of the seat component when the device is not properly assembled in a seat-type device configuration. In its table configuration, the device can be arranged in a generally S-shaped form.

1 . A child activity center comprising:
 a tray;   a pylon removably connected to the tray;   a seat removably connected to the tray;   a pylon lock connected to the tray and movable among a plurality of positions including an engaged position in which the pylon lock restrains movement of the pylon and a disengaged position in which the pylon may be pivoted; and   a seat interlock connected to the tray, the seat interlock preventing installation of the seat in the tray if the pylon lock is engaged and preventing the pylon lock from being engaged if the seat is installed in the tray.   
   
   
       2 . The activity center of  claim 1 , wherein the pylon lock and the seat interlock are incorporated into a combined assembly. 
   
   
       3 . The activity center of  claim 1 , further comprising a base removably connected to the pylon. 
   
   
       4 . The activity center of  claim 1 , wherein the pylon lock releasably couples with a portion of the pylon when engaged, thereby preventing articulation of the pylon relative to the tray. 
   
   
       5 . The activity center of  claim 1 , further comprising a toy connected to the tray. 
   
   
       6 . The activity center of  claim 1 , wherein the tray comprises a plurality of tray portions. 
   
   
       7 . The activity center of  claim 6 , wherein the tray portions are connectable in a plurality of configurations. 
   
   
       8 . The activity center of  claim 6 , wherein the tray portions are connectable in a generally annular arrangement. 
   
   
       9 . The activity center of  claim 6 , wherein the tray portions are connectable in a generally S-shaped arrangement. 
   
   
       10 . A child activity center comprising:
 at least two pylons; and   a tray removably connected to the pylons, the tray comprising at least two tray portions;   wherein the tray portions are connectable in either an annular configuration and a generally S-shaped configuration.   
   
   
       11 . The activity center of  claim 10 , further comprising a seat removably connectable to the tray when the tray is in the annular configuration. 
   
   
       12 . The activity center of  claim 10 , further comprising an end cap connected to an end of at least one tray portion. 
   
   
       13 . The activity center of  claim 10 , further comprising a toy connected to the tray. 
   
   
       14 . The activity center of  claim 10 , further comprising a pylon lock connected to the tray, the pylon lock being movable between an engaged position in which the pylon lock restricts movement of at least one pylon and a disengaged position in which the pylon may be pivoted. 
   
   
       15 . The activity center of  claim 14 , further comprising a seat interlock connected to the tray, the seat interlock preventing installation of the seat in the tray if the pylon lock is engaged and preventing the pylon lock from being engaged if the seat is installed in the tray. 
   
   
       16 . The activity center of  claim 15 , wherein the pylon lock and the seat interlock are incorporated into a combined assembly.